Church Leaders, Faithful in Southern India Commit to Environmental Action at Ecology Seminar

Church leaders, religious, educators, and lay representatives gathered at the Pastoral Centre in Secunderabad in southern India's Telangana State, for a one-day seminar on “Environment, Climate Change and Ecological Spirituality” on June 15.

Held under the theme “Guardians of Creation,” the seminar brought together participants from dioceses, parishes, religious congregations, educational institutions, and social organizations to reflect on pressing environmental challenges and explore faith-based responses to sustainable living.

The program began with registration and a Creation Prayer Service, setting a reflective tone for the day. Participants engaged in discussions on environmental stewardship, climate action, and ecological spirituality, emphasizing the shared responsibility of caring for creation.

Welcoming the gathering, Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, highlighted the urgent need for collective action to protect the environment and preserve the earth for future generations.

In his inaugural address, Bishop Prakash Sagili of the Diocese of Khammam spoke about the growing impact of climate change on communities worldwide. He emphasized the role of faith communities in promoting environmental awareness, sustainable lifestyles, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

A key speaker at the seminar was Bishop Ivan Pereira, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) Office for Environment and Climate Change. He reflected on the relationship between faith, environmental responsibility, sustainability, and community engagement.

The bishop encouraged every diocese to take an active role in ecological initiatives and develop practical responses to environmental challenges through education, advocacy, and community participation.

Throughout the day, participants took part in interactive sessions, group discussions, and reporting exercises that encouraged the sharing of experiences and best practices.

Discussions focused on climate change, environmental conservation, sustainable development, and ways of integrating ecological spirituality into pastoral ministry. Participants also presented environmental projects already being implemented in dioceses, schools, religious institutions, and local communities.

A major outcome of the seminar was the preparation of regional and diocesan action plans aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. Working collaboratively, participants developed practical strategies that can be implemented at the local level over the coming year.

During the concluding session, participants pledged to undertake a range of environmental initiatives, including tree planting and care, reducing the use of single-use plastics, promoting rainwater harvesting, encouraging waste segregation and composting, adopting renewable energy solutions, conducting environmental awareness programs, and establishing Eco Committees in parishes, schools, and institutions.

The seminar concluded with the presentation of regional action plans and a collective commitment to environmental stewardship.

Organizers expressed hope that every parish, convent, school, and Church institution would develop and implement a practical Green Action Plan, contributing to the protection of creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.

The event provided a platform for reflection, dialogue, and action while reaffirming the Church’s commitment to ecological responsibility and the call to care for “our common home.”

Participants departed with renewed enthusiasm and a shared vision of becoming true “Guardians of Creation” through concrete actions that promote environmental sustainability and ecological spirituality.