EARTHKEEPING NEWS
A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY

Volume Fourteen, Number Two
May 2005

Green Church

Eco-News letter 1
Church of South India
Kerala Region

Bible teaches us the total redemption of the Universe. The emphasis on the individual salvation alone has paved way for the total exploitation of the Nature. Human beings are a part of the Nature. The Rt. Rev. Dr. George Issac, Chairman of the CSI Synod Ecological Concerns Committee, equated the exploitation of nature to sin while delivering the presidential address on the CSI Kerala Regional Ecological Conference held at CSI Retreat Centre, Kottayam on 8th February 2005. The Bishop emphasized that the relationship between human beings and God, between human beings, between human being and Nature should be restored. Total alienation has occurred in all spheres of life.

The Bishop said that the CSI Synod Ecological Concerns Committee has taken steps to conscientize people in different levels. The two books published by the CSI Synod, Reconciling with Nature and God is Green are first step towards this. Now CSI Synod is planning to publish an Eco-book for Sunday School Children. Bishop requested all the Dioceses of CSI in Kerala should come up with various activities for the success of the Green Dioceses programme launched by the CSI Synod.

Christians should change their attitude towards the Earth, Water and Air. The Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, Bishop of CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese emphasized the importance of attitude while inaugurating the Kerala Regional CSI Ecological Conference. "Are we throwing our wastes into the river water due to our ignorance?" Bishop asked. We should have the wisdom to discern what is right and wrong. It is really sorry to note that the wisdom is decreasing as we are becoming more and more literate.

What are the Green Programmes that can be done?

The Church initiate a lot of Green Programmes to conserve this God given earth. Mr. Abraham Poovathany, Project Director of Malanadu Development Society explained some of the projects possible with the Church groups.

  1. The Church may promote organic farming. There are a lot of toxic effects in using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Members should be conscientised about these toxic effects. The Church can start some model organic farms.

  2. One day can be celebrated as Noah's day. Noah is the first Environmentalist as per the Bible. He made every effort to conserve biodiversity by protecting the life on earth by selecting the male and the female from every species on the earth. On Noah's day church can assess the effort it has taken to conserve the biodiversity.
  3. Saplings can be planted in memory of important functions of the Church. A sapling can be planted in the name of a pastor during his transfer to another pastorate. The name of the pastor can be given to the tree.
  4. Churches in coastal areas can start planting of Mangroves. It is worthwhile to note that Tsunami has not affected the places rich in Mangroves.
  5. Church should take a bold stand in avoiding throwaway plastic cups and bags from Church functions.
  6. Avoid Colas and give indigenous drinks. Paper/Cloth bags may be popularized. Indigenous consumables may be promoted instead of branded items.
  7. Biogas plants may be popularised. Human excretions in the toilet tanks can be used in biogas plants. Such plants are working effectively in many places.
  8. The picnics should be a pilgrimage to see the beauty of the nature.
  9. Every parish should start Eco-vigilance cell.

Jesus A Management Expert and a Nature Lover.

Jesus could convert fishermen and ordinary people into leaders who could influence a lot of people all over the world. Jesus loved people, animals, plants, and nature. Jesus is a management Expert and a Nature Lover. Prof. S. Sivadas, Environmentalist, quoted Bible for explaining the theme.

"When you celebrate the birth of Jesus are you expressing your concern to fellow beings, animals, plants and nature. It is really sorry to note that during Christmas, Christians are killing millions of animals for meat. Why can't you celebrate a Green Christmas without meat. I do agree with Bishop Thomas samuel in stating that we should have a change in attitudes."

The Earth may be considered as a big living creature. Human beings, animals, plants and non living beings are the parts of this big living creature. Any pain in any part of the living body will affect the whole body. If you want to enjoy abundant life the right of all the parts of the body should be protected. (Read 1 Corinthians 12: 14-27)

Ecological study should start in schools so that Children get a new outlook.

Decisions of the Kerala Regional Committee

  1. Decided to start a Eco-news letter for the Kerala Regional CSI Ecological Concerns Committee.
  2. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu has been appointed as the editor of the News letter.
  3. A meeting of the committee will be held on November to review the Green Diocese programme of each Diocese in the Kerala Region.
  4. All the parishes are expected to initiate at least one Ecological programme every month and report that matter to the Diocesan Convenor. The Diocesan Ecological convenor has to send the consolidated report and the photographs to the Kerala Regional Coordinator and to the Synod Coordinator. The important points will be published in Eco news letter of the Kerala Region.

The Diocesan Representatives explained the programmes they are planning to do.

Prof. Annieamma Abraham of East Kerala Diocese explained programmes they are planniing to take up in 2005

  • Promote organic farming, Avoid Plastic Cups in church programmes, Rain water harvesting pits in Church compounds, Memorial plants, Conscientisation classes.

Rev. John Joseph of North Kerala Diocese explained programmes they are planniing to take up in 2005

  • Rain Water Harvesting in Church compounds, Pilgrimage to Ecologically important places, Popularize Cotton bags, Memorial Plants, Celebration of Green Christmas, Green liturgy will be used for worship.

Mr. George Varughese of Madhya Kerala Diocese explained programmes they are planniing to take up in 2005

  • Initiated the following programmes. Plastic Cups already banned in diocesan office campus, 5000 plants were distributed all over the Diocese last year. Rain water Harvesting pits were dug in 125 parishes, Pilgrimage to Thenmala, Green Parish award given to CSI Church Quilon.
  • Planning to do: Promote organic farming, Organic farming day, Trade fair of organic goods, Biogas for cooking, Memorial trees, A tree for a child, Water shed Management

Dr. Elizebeth Zachariah of South Kerala Diocese explained programmes they are planniing to take up in 2005

  • One Chapter in Sunday School books are on Environment. Planning to do: Rain water Harvesting pits, Organic Vegetable cultivation, Pilgrimage to Ecosensitive places, Avoid plastics, Eco-Painting Competition. A tree for a New Pastor (The name of the Achen will be given to that tree).

Rev. T.O. Oommen, Ar. M.M. Philip, the Diocesan Secretaries of Madhya Kerala Diocese felicitated the dynamic eco-activities of Kerala region.

Published by Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu
Kerala Regional Cooordinator
Malayil., Punnackadu, 689652
Kozhencherry, Kerala, India

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