Greening the Globe for Sustainable LivingCSI Synod Dept of Ecological Concerns

About Us

"God is reconciling the whole world — or cosmos — through Christ"
II Corinthians 5:19

Ecology is the scientific study of communications between organisms and their environment, such as the interactions organisms have with each other and with their abiotic environment. It is an interdisciplinary field that includes biology and Earth science. Ecology, which is also a human science as well, is composed of dynamically interacting parts including life form, the communities they make up, and the non-living components of their environment. The word "ecology" was coined in 1866 by the German scientist Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919). Hippocrates and Aristotle, who were the ancient Greek philosophers, laid the foundations of ecology in their studies on natural history. The transformation of the modern ecology into a more rigorous science happened in the 19th century. Evolutionary concepts on adaptation and natural selection have become the cornerstones of modern ecological theory. Ecology is closely related to evolutionary biology, genetics, and ethology. An understanding of how biodiversity affects ecological function is an important focus area in ecological studies.

As stated above, Ecology is a human science as well. There are many practical applications of ecology in conservation biology, wetland management, natural resource management (agroecology, agriculture, forestry, agroforestry, fisheries), city planning (urban ecology), community health, economics, basic and applied science, and human social interaction (human ecology). Organisms and resources compose ecosystems which, in turn, maintain biophysical feedback mechanisms that moderate processes acting on living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components of the planet. Ecosystems sustain life-supporting functions and produce natural capital like biomass production (food, fuel, fiber and medicine), the regulation of climate, global biogeochemical cycles, water filtration, soil formation, erosion control, flood protection and many other natural features of scientific, historical, economic, or intrinsic value.

Church of South India (CSI) is the only Church in India that has specifically mentioned the ecological concerns in the constitution itself. Our objective is to define the Eco-Church fellowship and to play an active role in the spiritual-environmental revolution and to encourage an eco-friendly life style. Christians, at least in part, seem to be responsible for the present environmental crisis, primarily because of their misunderstanding of the scripture. Jesus Christ, our saviour, guide, and mentor, tells us to repent, love God and our neighbour. The concept of neighbour includes the whole creation. Just as we meet Christ in our human neighbour, we meet Christ in every part of creation. In all aspects of its life, the Eco-Church fellowship will strive to re-establish the fundamental spiritual relationship of humanity with God, the Earth and all its creatures. A basic tenet of its evangelism is found in II Corinthians 5:19 which reads, “God is reconciling the whole world — or cosmos — through Christ.” We encourage parishes to incorporate ecological concerns in their order of worship and include both advocacy and direct action for social justice and the integrity of creation in mission activities. We encourage the active participation of our fellow Christians, and all people of good will through prayer, partnership, and involvement, which will help humanity to return to an eco-friendly life style.

Officers of the Synod