“Catch the students when they are young and give training to them in sustainable values
to solve the present ecological crisis”, stated Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the
Moderator of the Church of South India, while inaugurating the Synod level training for
the selected teachers from each Diocese at the synod centre, Chennai, from 3rd to 5th of
May, 2017. In this era of globalization, the choices are infinite, leaving children
confused not knowingly what to select. Values of an unsustainable world are more
appealing. Most of the children want to enjoy life and they don’t bother about the
depletion of the natural resources because of over-consumption. We recognise that what
we do with God's creation around us will have a tremendous impact, for good or ill, on
the lives of our grandchildren and on the generations of their children and
grandchildren. Our attitude to God's creation at present will determine the state of the
society that will be inherited later in the twenty-first century. Teachers should advise
children to select life instead of death. Nature is not a material resource for human
consumption. Human beings are a part of nature, Moderator added.
Rev. Dr. Daniel
Rathnakara Sadananda, the General Secretary of CSI Synod, and Adv. Robert Bruce,
Treasurer of CSI synod, addressed the gathering. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad, Hon.
Director of CSI Synod, expressed sincere gratitude to USPG London for their support and
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) for their collaboration.
Mr. G
Balachandran, international Eco-trainer and motivator, inspired the teachers for the
conduct of green School Programme in their schools. During the second day Dr.
Gnasekharan, Professor of Madras Christian College, addressed the teachers on impacts of
nurturing different types of plants on their campus. Mr. Varghese C. Thomas, Chief
Sub-editor of Malayala Manorama Daily, shared his marvellous experiences in visiting the
schools implementing ecological programmes. Ms. Ajanta and Ms. Aditya , experts from
CSE, trained the teachers in Green Auditing. Rev. Asir Ebeneser (Director of CSI SEVA),
Rev. Sunil Raj Philip (Director of CSI Synod Communications) and Rev. Cecil James Victor
(Director of Synod Pastoral Concerns) offered felicitations and also talked about the
activities of their respective departments.
Fifty-nine teachers from various
diocese participated in the Masters Training Programme. All the presentations of the
three days programme were inspiring to the teachers and gave them a new dimension. A few
responses of the participants after the programme are given below:
“The training has
inspired me and after going back to my school I will try to implement the knowledge
which I have acquired here and try to make my school be green” (Mrs Margart Ancy –
Karnataka Northern Diocese). "We have become master trainers in the green school
programme and will take steps to implement the green school programme in all the schools
in our Diocese. Every month we will visit the schools and monitor it” (Mr Moses
Packiaraj – Madurai Ramnad Diocese). “The training was very useful to me. We have learnt
to motivate the teachers, children and society. We will teach others the importance of
biodiversity All the speakers gave us a lot of ideas and we have been inspired by their
talk”.(Mrs M Grace Deevena – Krishna Godavari Diocese). “I will all the eco programmes
in my school and also start an Eco-club in our school”. (Mr Anil Dyva Kumar – Dornakal
Diocese). “The training was really valuable and beneficial for me. Through the novel
ideas, I can uplift my students to the level of missionaries of nature. Now I am
confident to give training to other teachers and students” (Mrs. Gladys Ponbala – South
Kerala Diocese) “I will arrange a training in GSP in our diocese, motivate students for
planting fruit trees, initiate installing solar panels in our school and motivate
students to avoid throw away plastics”. (Mr K P Justus Paul – Kanyakumari Diocese) “I
will arrange training classes for primary and middle school teachers and for the high
school teachers. I will conduct awareness programmers for the students to make my school
a model green school”. (Mr. S Ebenezer – Thoothukudi Nazareth
Diocese)
Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad
Hon. Director, CSI
Synod Department of Ecological concerns
A seminar on the Environmental Policy of the Church of South India (CSI) was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph, the Chairperson of the CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns, at the CSI Centre Chennai today. In the inaugural speech, he remarked that God is continually involving in the issues related to environmental issues through his own creations. We, the members of the church, are given special responsibility to make positive interventions in the ecological issues with a vision and mission to fight against the forces those destabilise ecological balance. He announced that the important procedure the Ecological Concerns Department initiated to create an Environmental Policy is also a part of responsibilities God has bestowed upon us.
Earlier, Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnakkadu, the Director the Ecological Concerns Department CSI, welcomed the gathering and presented the road map of creating the policy. The seminar is attempted by delegates from the 23 dioceses of the Church of South India, which will be concluded by tomorrow evening.
Mr.Jairam Ramesh M.P, former central minister for environment, inaugurated the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Ecological Committee of the CSI synod on Earth Day 2017(22nd April) at the CSI Synod centre, Chennai. In his inaugural address, he stated that the majority of the people of India are worshipping God, but are ignoring the message of God. All the religions are giving the message of living in harmony with nature. Western culture teaches to conquer the nature. But the Indian culture teaches living in harmony with nature. Even though Indian culture is very close to nature, the people of India are neglecting the ecosystem. If anybody cares for nature, nature will care for them. If anybody destroys nature, nature will destroy them. Jairam Ramesh appreciated the ecological activities of CSI, which have been continuing for the past 25 years. He requested CSI to expand the activities to other churches and religions.Jairam Ramesh released the book ‘Silent Rhythm, Green tales for Children, written by Dr.Mathew Koshy Punnackad and Dr. Anne Susan Koshy by giving the first copy of the book to Dr.Saji Chacko and Ms.Grace Lawrence.
Earlier the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Ecological Concerns Department of the
Church of South India (CSI) Synod started off with a thanksgiving Holy Communion Worship
Service at the CSI Synod Centre in Chennai, which was led by the Most Rev. Thomas K.
Oommen, the Moderator of the Church of South India. In the sermon during the Holy
Communion service, the Moderator posed the question whether this is a celebration or
lamentation. The celebration is possible while we think of the wonderful ways in which
God led the Ecological Concerns Department for the past twenty- five years. But at the
same time we are forced to lament on the deterioration takes place in the enviromental
situations. We are facing the fury of nature because we have been over- exploiting and
destroying nature for our own selfish motives, he pointed out.
The Moderator
presided over the public function held on the Earth Day, which was the inaugural day of
the Silver Jubilee celebration of the department. Rev. Dr. D. R. Sadananda, General
Secretary of the CSI, Adv. Robert Bruce, the Treasurer of the CSI, Bishop M Joseph,
Chairman of the Ecological Concerns and the Director of Ecological Concerns addressed
the gathering. The General Secretary mentioned the names of Bishop P.G Kuruvilla, Bishop
William Mosses, Bishop C I Furtado, Bishop George Issac, Bishop Thomas Samuel, Bishop
Thomas K Oommen and Bishop B N Fenn who served as the Chairmen and Dr.Edwin
Chandrasekharan, Prof. Profulla Kumar, Ms. Jessie Jayakaran, Prof Christin Babu, Dr.
Mathew Koshy Punnackad and Rev.Viji Varghese Eapen who served as the Conveners of the
Ecological Committee during various periods . In 2011, the Synod opened a Department for
Ecological Committee and Rev.Viji Varghese Eapen was the first Director.
The Moderator of the CSI honoured Dr.Edwin Chandrsekharan, the first convener of the Synod Ecological Committee. Bishop M Joseph honoured Mr. Jessie Jayakaran and Prof. Christin Babu who served as conveners of Ecological Committee. The Chairman ecological Committee honoured Dornakal, Karimnagar, Krishna Godavari, Madhya Kerala, Madurai Ramnad, Medak, Nandyal, Trichy-Tanjore and Tirunelveli dioceses for their ecological contributions during the last triennium.
The Synod Directors Rev. Asir Ebenezer, (CSI SEVA), Rev. James Cecil Victor, (Pastoral Concerns), Rev. J. Solomon Paul, (Youth Department) and Rev. Sunil Raj Philip (Communications), presented the vision and work of the respective departments during the latter part of the meeting.
The major waste accumulating in public places is throw away plastic cups and bags. In order to counter the plastic bag culture, the Department of Ecological Concerns distributed 200 jute bags. Bishop Joseph released the jute bags. 270 delegates participated in the final public meeting. The participants appreciated Bharathanatyam, dance, and choreography of Monahan girls higher secondary school, Chennai during the public meeting.
Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad,
Hon. Director,
Ecological Concerns Department,
CSI
Synod
As a part of networking with different Ecological groups in India, department of
ecological Concerns invited leaders of different groups on 21st April 2017 at the CSI
Centre, Chennai. and decided to form a network. Ms Arun Krishnamuthy (Environmentalist
Foundation of India) He is known for founding the NGO, Environmentalist Foundation of
India (EFI) in 2011 based in Chennai which has its branches in other cities such as
Hyderabad, Delhi and Coimbatore,Rev Santosh George (WePlant , New Delhi) WePlant is a
Non Government Organization that aims to reduce malnutrition and promote biodiversity
through the simple act of planting fruit trees in public places, remote villages,
riverside, mountains and valleys.. A World free from malnutrition and starvation death,
Mr.Christudas ( Evangelical Social Action Forum) organise water sanitation programmes
and provide lighting for the poor. Organise Community Health Programmes and Care and
Counselling programs for HIV/AIDS victims and their families. Advocate responsible in
our area of focus.Care for those who are vulnerable to catastrophe. Promotes
Conservation, Cultivation and Processing of medicinal plants, Rev.Dr. Shinoj Boas(UTC
Bengaluru) Eco-theologian. Dr.Renjit Daniels (Care Earth Trust, Chennai) Care Earth
Trust is a Chennai, India based Technical Non-Governmental Organization that was founded
in the year 2000. Conservation of biodiversity for human well-being through research,
advocacy and capacity building. The organisation was awarded the prestigious Indira
Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar for the year 2009, by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Government of India. In 2013, one of the trustees was awarded the prestigious
TieCon-Social Entrepreneur Award by The Indus Entrepreneurs, a Global network of
Information Technology Companies and Dr.Pauline Deborrah (WCC) plant biologist and eco
freelance writer.
One hundred and two delegates participated.
Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad
Hon.Director, CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns
The Department of ecological concerns conducted a one-day training camp for the leaders from various diocese on 20th April 2017. Mr. Binod Maliel, an international HR trainer introduced the idea of Eco-leadership Eco motivation and eco-networking on the first day. During the training, he asked following questions to facilitate discussions. What is God’s purpose for us in Ecology? Why are we here today? The participants actively participated in the eco-leadership training. 95 delegates from various dioceses participated.
Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad,
Hon. Director,
CSI Synod Ecological Concerns Department
The Circular on Carbon Fast issued by Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the Moderator of the Church of South India has already garnered the public attention even in the international level. The circular has been translated into the South Indian languages and available for distribution now. You are requested to download them from here and share in your dioceses, organisations and institutions in any suitable form- a soft copy, a photocopy or a printed booklet.
Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu,
Hon. Director,
?CSI Synod Department of
Ecological Concerns
Circular on Carbon Fast issued by Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the Moderator of the Church of South India.
Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the Moderator of the Church of South India, encourages
Christians for observing a 'Carbon Fast' during the forthcoming Lenten Season. He has
sent a circular citing this to all the leaders of the 24 Dioceses of the Church of South
India.
You can find the circular attached here.
Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy
Hon. Director,
Ecological Concerns Department, CSI Synod
The Church of South India (CSI) Synod has declared the Green Awards for the year 2016. Green School Platinum Award winners are C M S L P School, Mundakayam (Kerala) and C.S.I Gell Memorial Girls HSS, Dunmere (Tamilnadu). Green School Golden award winners are St. Hilda’s School, Ooty, CSI Boys HSS, Coimbatore, (Tamilnadu), Bishop Hodges HSS, Mavelikara, Baker Memorial Girls HSS, Kottayam (Kerala) and C.S.I Matriculation HSS, Coimbatore. Green School Silver award winners are Buchanan Institution GHS, Pallom, C M S High School, Pallom (Kerala), CSI Girls Mat HSS, Vellore, Voorhees HSS, Vellore (Tamilnadu) and CMS LP School, Ennooramvayal, Pathanamthitta (Kerala). Green College Award winners are CMS College, Kottayam (Kerala), Bishop Heber College, Trichy and CSI Engineering College, Ketti (Tamilnadu).
The expert committee has selected Green award winning schools and Colleges from the five southern states of South India. Mementoes and Certificates will be awarded to the winners on the 16th January 2017 during the CSI Synod meeting at Kottayam. A Green School is a resource efficient building- onethat uses little water, optimises energy efficiency, minimises waste generation, catches and recycles water and provides healthier space for its occupants compared to a conventional building. CSI Synod is in the process of converting 1000 schools of CSI to Green Schools. Green School Platinum awards are for those who scored above 70%, Golden Awards for above 50% and Silver Awards for above 35% in the Green Audit conducted in 2016. The CSI Synod will also help the Green Schools in starting model eco- projects. Press release issued by
Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad
Hon.Director of CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns
The Department of Ecological Concerns of CSI Synod organised a one day workshop on Green School programme for the Principals, Headmasters/Headmistresses and correspondents of CSI Schools on 27th August 2016 at the CSI Synod Centre in Chennai. Rev. James Cecil Victor, Director of Pastoral Concerns and Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director of Communications, offered felicitations. Ms. Ranjitha Menon and Ms. Swathy of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) explained about the Green Audit and the Green School programme.
The Director of Ecological department explained the aim of Green School programme. He said that "the Church of South India (CSI) is promoting the values of sustainability. Living sustainably is about doing more and better with less. It is about knowing that rising rates of natural resource use and the environmental impacts that occur are not a necessary by-product of economic growth. The well-being of humanity, the environment, and the functioning of the economy, ultimately depend on the responsible management of the planet’s natural resources. The evidence is building that people are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide. Many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or irreversible change. Christian ethics also goes a long way in helping Christians to cultivate sustainable lifestyles. We do not have to wait until there is a law to compel us to act responsibly; our ethical values and principles should help us to make right choices. The right place to teach the values of sustainability is schools. Hence CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns promotes Green School Programme. CSI synod Department of Ecological Concerns has decided to utilise the expertise of CSE in making 1000 schools as Green Schools.
One hundred and ten teachers from various CSI Schools from different Southern States of India participated in the workshop.
Prof. Dr.Mathew Koshy Punnackad,
Hon. Director, Department of Ecological
concerns,
Email : csi.oikos@gmail.com