Kottayam: The Church of South India (CSI), 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, has now come up with a unique campaign against global warming. The Moderator of the Church Bishop Thomas K Oommen has written to the Bishops, executive members of CSI Synod and the directors and office bearers of all the Dioceses of CSI about initiating a ‘Carbon Fast’ to reduce the actions which damage the ecosystem. The moderator in his letter has urged all the believers to initiate steps in the upcoming Lenten season, 40 days between the ‘Ash Wednesday’ to ‘Easter Sunday’, to protect the environment and conserve energy.
“A carbon fast is a challenge to us to look at our daily actions, to reflect on how they impact on the environment. It challenges us to take some small steps – some of which will reduce our carbon dioxide output while others will help the environment – for a more sustainable world,” he says in the letter.
“I recommend forming a small group within your church to meet after worship each week for discussion and taking action. The Carbon Fast will provide myriad ways your congregation could get involved in enhancing climate justice,” he adds.
“This Sunday and on the Sundays during the Fast, make it a time of reflection and meditation. Look back over the year and how you use your Sundays: How much petrol do you use? How much do you spend? Do our lives reflect a calling to stewardship in responsible use and protection of the natural environment? Reflect on how you have treated the environment. Commit yourself to simple Sundays during Lent—spending time with friends and family, simpler food, less travel, enjoying God’s creation.”
The Moderator also lays down the areas to be focussed during the five weeks of the lent. In the first week the focus area should be waste management. This will be followed by the importance of trees and forests, reduce energy used for light, power and transport, conserving water and reducing waste.
He has also directed to translate the letter in the regional language and publish it in the Diocesan journal or appropriate forums.