Earth Bible Sermons
A sound theological backing is essential for the Green Church Movement. Hence members have to be taught about the faith aspect of the environmental ministry. In order to reach grass root level, we have published Earth Bible sermons which can be used by clergy during Sunday services(three volumes in four vernacular languages.).
Earth Bible Sermons are readings of the Bible from the perspective of the Earth. The sermons are the Biblical responses that Jesus would have had to face the present ecological crisis. It is a listening and responding to Bible texts from the stand point of Earth. A unique and innovative work of the ecological Department of CSI.
Planting of Saplings
Planting Jatropha/Punna on barren lands, Mangroves in the coastal areas, Vetiver and fruit bearing plants in populated areas. CSI is joining hands with ecumenical and environmental organizations in planting 20 million plants in the next 10 years. Vetiver is a unique plant which we are propagating to Recharge Ground water, Prevent soil erosion, Stabilise river banks and roads, Reduce global warming and Reduce floods.
The CSI Church is the only Church in India which has taken a strong stand in favour of the Gadgil committee report to protect the biodiversity of 1600 km stretch of Western Ghats. Planting sapling and nurturing is a spiritual work . Some healthy practices in some dioceses- after Marriage, the first task the couples perform is planting a sapling on the campus of the Church. Welcome the guests with a sapling of a flowering plant.
Waste Management
Waste Management education in schools, with pupils designing posters, writing essays, staging a drama, and making other presentations about recycling. As a hallmark of operation our phrase is "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse." Some Dioceses are supplying portable biogas plants to all parsonages-converting kitchen waste to fuel.
Renewable Energy
The CSI is promoting solar-absorbing panels to generate electricity in all the institutions owned by the CSI. CSI promotes the use of solar energy wherever possible. Instead of Nuclear / thermal/ hydel projects to generate energy we demand setting up a Solar Energy Commission on the same lines as the Indian Space Research Organisation with a clear mandate to achieve a clearly defined target for substituting 50 percent of the country’s fossil fuel consumption by solar energy, within ten years.
Green Clergy Fellowship
The Clergy of CSI, interested in Ecological Concerns are grouped as Green Clergy. Through WhatsApp and emails we regularly update them of the latest eco developments. Green Clergy meet twice a year. Earth Bible Sermons, Green parables are the contributions of Green Clergy fellowship.
Environmental Rally
For educating the public we conduct rally.
Green School Programme We want to make a difference
The CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns do believe that the mission mandate of the Church today in the education sector is to teach Sustainability. CSI has 1900 schools spread all over five southern states in India. In addition to the curriculum prescribed, we would like to teach the students a sustainable way of living. Green Schools give emphasis to sustainability. Students are encouraged to take a proactive approach to environmental challenges and are asked to share their new found knowledge and skills with members of their family. Ultimately, sustainability is about being good global citizens: ensuring adequate resources for a clean, healthy environment for all and giving students the tools to be innovators, and giving them a healthy environment in which to learn and play.
National and International Ecological Conferences
CSI organised six National and five international ecological Conferences for net working and sharing our concerns.
Climate Justice Ministries
The most of the CSI Congregations belong to the communities that are vulnerable to Climate Change. We create awareness on “Climate Justice” at the congregational level in these diocese. Further, re-read the Bible and reaffirm our faith from the perspective of Climate Refugees. We inspire the congregations to discern climate justice as an integral part of churches public witness today. We hope that the congregations would be equipped to involve in saving creations whose life and livelihood are under threat.
Facebook page EcologyCSI
Secret of Life
I have learnt this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little (Philippians 4: 12).
Philosophy of life
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:6-9)