Churches to fight environmental challenges

In response to the growing environmental crisis, Protestant and Orthodox churches under the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), have adhered to ensure the sustainable development and the 'just' management of natural resources.

Church leaders at the three-day National Consultation on Global Warming last week mooted over plans to enlarge their activities in association with groups of other faiths as well as government agencies.

In a statement, NCCI, urged on the need to address the global warming and the threat it poses to the present and future generations.

It was evident that global warming was causing profound climate changes, affecting the very survival of God's creations, especially in the developing countries, experienced through the rising sea levels, reduced yield in crops, spread of diseases, etc, it said.

If unresolved, it said, climate-related disasters, imbalances in the sharing of natural resources and creating tensions among communities might be largely evident.

An enumerated list of the mission agenda to church denominations includes: 1. Promote ecumenical green movements, 2. Adopt alternative energy sources, 3. Create awareness at all levels, 4. Review the vision and mission statements from an eco-perspective, 5.View environmental problems from a victim's perspective,

It further urges churches to engage proactively on climate justice, ensure the rights of the vulnerable communities, associate with other faiths and religions to address eco-issues, liaison with governments and network with movements to combat issues/ practices that perpetuate global warming.