Kuzhithurai Diocese launches ecological ministry to inspire environmental action

UNNAMALAIKADAI, Tamil Nadu (Indian Catholic News) — Responding to growing environmental challenges, south India’s Kuzhithurai Diocese has established a Centre for Ecological Ministry to promote environmental awareness, guide parishes and encourage practical action to protect creation.

Bishop Albert Anastas of Kuzhithurai in Tamil Nadu state announced the new ministry in a pastoral circular issued ahead of World Environment Day, saying the initiative was inspired by God’s command to humanity to “cultivate and protect the earth.”

“[Today,] forests are being destroyed, mountains are being quarried, mineral resources are being exploited, the use of plastic and other harmful materials continues to increase, and a culture of excessive consumerism is spreading,” he wrote.

“In response to this situation, and inspired by God’s command that we must ‘cultivate and protect the earth,’ our Kuzhithurai Diocese has established a Centre for Ecological Ministry,” the bishop wrote in a circular published in the July edition of Voice of Kuzhithurai, the diocesan monthly newsletter.

“Through this new initiative, the diocese intends to promote ecological awareness, provide guidance, and encourage concrete environmental action in the coming years,” he said.

The bishop said the initiative begins during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, whose witness continues to inspire Christians in caring for creation. Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the Franciscan Jubilee Year from Jan. 10, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027, to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.

Care for creation rooted in faith

In a second pastoral message dated June 2 and made public in the same edition of Voice of Kuzhithurai, Bishop Anastas linked environmental responsibility with Christian faith, describing care for creation as both a moral and spiritual obligation.

“This observance calls us to protect our common home—the Earth—along with its natural environment and resources,” he wrote. It also calls people “to ensure sustainable development for everyone, respond to the challenges posed by climate change caused by global warming, and work together through united global efforts to safeguard creation.”

The bishop warned that environmental degradation threatens both humanity and future generations.

“Human beings cannot exist without nature, a healthy environment, and a flourishing Earth,” he wrote, adding that “Land, water, air, the atmosphere, and all natural resources must be protected from pollution, destruction, and exploitation.”

Quoting Pope Francis, Bishop Anastas said “both the Earth and the poor cry out together under the burden of this crisis.”

Ecological crisis demands conversion

Drawing on Scripture, the bishop said the Earth belongs to God and humanity has been entrusted with its care rather than its exploitation.

He stressed that God’s command to “Fill the earth and subdue it” should never be interpreted as permission to abuse creation but rather as a responsibility to “use nature wisely, protecting it, and preserving its resources for future generations.”

Referring to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Bishop Anastas said the environmental crisis stems from “human selfishness, greed, consumerism, uncontrolled technological development, and economic systems driven solely by profit.”

He urged Catholics to embrace “ecological conversion” by simplifying their lifestyles and reducing environmental exploitation.

“We are not masters of nature. Rather, we are called to live in harmony with creation as its responsible stewards and caretakers,” he wrote.

The bishop also said, “Polluting or destroying the environment, remaining indifferent while nature is being damaged, or failing to protect creation are not merely social failures but sins against God, society, and creation itself.”

Practical steps for parishes

The pastoral letter outlines practical measures for parishes, schools and Church institutions, including environmental education programs, simpler celebrations that reduce waste, avoiding single-use plastics, planting trees, establishing vegetable and herbal gardens, conserving groundwater, harvesting rainwater, promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“As we celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, let us resolve to make meaningful efforts to preserve the beautiful Earth and the natural resources God has entrusted to us,” Bishop Anastas wrote. “Let us work together to make our churches, institutions, homes, parishes, and villages greener and more environmentally sustainable.”

He concluded by urging Catholics to imitate Christ’s self-giving love by renewing their commitment to protecting the Earth and promoting “the dignity and well-being of all humanity.”

Full statement available: original Tamil (circular and pastoral letter) and AI‑generated English translation (circular and pastoral letter).