Environmental Sunday Observance in CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese
Environmental Sunday was observed with great enthusiasm in around 350 parishes of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese. A unique feature of the observance was the active participation of 350 trained Green Ambassadors, aged between 11 and 18 years, who delivered environmental sermons during the worship services in their respective parishes.
The initiative received an overwhelmingly positive response from congregations across the Diocese. Members expressed deep appreciation for the commitment, confidence, and environmental awareness demonstrated by these young preachers. Many remarked that it was inspiring to see children and youth taking leadership in communicating the Christian responsibility of caring for God’s creation.
To assess the impact of the programme, the Department of Ecological Concerns circulated a Google feedback form among the participating students. More than 200 students submitted their responses. One section of the form invited them to record comments and reactions received from members of their congregations. Selected responses are reproduced below:
“I am happy that God has chosen you to do God’s work even at this young age. It was a good speech. Super!”
“The sermon was well appreciated by the congregation. Many members said it was interesting, biblical, and practical. They responded positively to the environmental challenge and expressed their willingness to play their part in protecting nature.”
“Most of them appreciated it. After the sermon, one uncle spoke to me about the tune of the poem I had quoted during the message. After the church service, there was a tree-planting programme organised by the youth, and they invited me to join as well. Altogether, it was a blessed day.”
“It was a blessed and memorable experience to speak about environmental stewardship in the church. The congregation listened with great attention and encouragement. Many appreciated the message that humanity’s first responsibility was to care for God’s creation. Their positive words motivated me, but above all, I thank God for using me as His instrument.”
“I am grateful for every word of encouragement I received, but my heart’s prayer is that people remember the message more than the messenger. Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God alone.”
“The deputation visit was a wonderful learning experience for me. I was able to share the biblical perspective of caring for the environment and God’s command to humanity to tend and protect creation. The warm response and appreciation from the members gave me confidence to continue serving in this ministry.”
“This training and preaching ministry has helped me develop a deeper understanding of God’s creation and my responsibility towards it. It has strengthened my faith, improved my awareness of environmental issues, and encouraged me to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.”
“The training broadened my perspective on the relationship between humans and nature. It helped me understand that caring for the environment is not only a social responsibility but also a spiritual duty. I now view ecological concerns as an important part of Christian living and ministry.”
The feedback clearly indicates that the programme has had a significant impact not only on the congregations but also on the young Green Ambassadors themselves. Many students testified that the training deepened their faith, strengthened their commitment to environmental stewardship, and enhanced their confidence in public speaking and Christian witness.
As a visible expression of their commitment to creation care, the deputed students planted saplings in many parishes in the presence of the congregation. These tree-planting activities reinforced the message that environmental stewardship must be translated into practical action.
The Environmental Sunday programme demonstrated that young people can play a transformative role in promoting ecological responsibility within the Church. It was an encouraging step towards nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious Christians committed to safeguarding God’s creation.
Prof Dr Mathew Koshy Punnackadu Director , CSI MKD Department of Ecological Concerns And the Eco-Advisor of the CSI Synod
