Skip to content
Crest of the Church of South India, Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese
Ministry 11 of 13

Ecology Committee

Creation Care in Action

Objectives

What the ministry sets out to do

In the committee's own words.

01To nurture a cultureof care for creation by integrating ecological responsibility with Christian faith, stewardship and sustainable living.
02To equip children, youthand communities with ecological knowledge and climate awareness through meaningful learning, participation and practical engagement.
03To promote sustainable practicesacross diocesan institutions and congregations through green initiatives, resource conservation, responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.
04To restore, protectand enrich local ecosystems through wetland restoration, biodiversity conservation, expansion of green cover and reduction of environmental pollution.
05To inspire collective climateaction by mobilising churches, schools and communities towards practical, inclusive and sustained environmental stewardship.
The 2026 report

The year in the ministry

An illustration of the Ecology committee's work, from its 2026 report.

The Ecology Committee is committed to advancing creation care across the Diocese through ecological education, Christian stewardship, institutional action, and meaningful community engagement. Its initiatives seek to deepen awareness of humanity’s responsibility towards creation and to translate ecological concern into practical and sustained action.

Nearly 60% of diocesan schools are enrolled in the national Green School Programme, with Bishop Heber Higher Secondary School, Teppakulam, and St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School, Thanjavur, receiving national Green School recognition. The Committee continues to encourage student leadership, creativity, and environmental innovation through initiatives such as the six DST INSPIRE MANAK awards, science-fair achievements, the Soozhal Quiz, Viksit Bharat Buildathon, Mission LiFE activities, and Green Ambassador and Planet Protector workshops.

≈ 60%
of diocesan schools in the national Green School Programme
6
DST INSPIRE MANAK awards

Institutional ecological stewardship has been strengthened through GIS-based mapping of diocesan assets, the restoration of three wetlands at Thuraiyur, Mannargudi, and Kumbakonam, expansion of green cover, adoption of plastic-free practices, and the development of kitchen gardens. These initiatives demonstrate the Diocese’s commitment to integrating environmental responsibility into the management and everyday life of its institutions.

3
wetlands restored (Thuraiyur, Mannargudi, Kumbakonam)
An illustration of the Ecology committee's work, from its 2026 report.

The Committee also seeks to deepen ecological awareness as an integral part of Christian faith and discipleship. The Eco-Justice Theology Certificate Programme, the “From Pulpit to Planet” workshop, Eco-Lent reflections, and an International Conference on Climate Education and Solutions provided platforms for clergy, environmental experts, academics, and other participants to explore the theological, social, and practical dimensions of creation care.

World Environment Day 2026 brought together approximately 700 children from 15 dioceses for prayer, ecological learning, and collective tree planting, providing a visible expression of shared commitment to environmental responsibility and climate action. Congregations across the Diocese also participated in environmental observances, Earth Hour, biodiversity awareness programmes, eco-friendly worship practices, and green gifting through the distribution of saplings, fruit trees, and seed balls.

≈ 700
children from 15 dioceses on World Environment Day 2026

Through these diverse initiatives, the Ecology Committee is helping to nurture a diocesan culture in which care for creation becomes an integral expression of Christian faith, responsible citizenship, and community life. By engaging children, young people, congregations, educational institutions, clergy, and wider communities, the Diocese seeks to move from ecological awareness to sustained action, fostering responsible stewardship of God’s creation and contributing to a more sustainable, resilient, and hopeful future.

Prepared as a concise website adaptation from the Ecology Committee Report presented to the Diocesan Special Council 2026.

In pictures

Ecology

7 photographs sent by the Diocesan office. Choose one to see it whole.

Focus areas

Ecological Education

  • Green Schools
  • Student Innovation
  • Climate Learning

Institutional Stewardship

  • GIS Mapping
  • Wetland Restoration
  • Plastic-Free Practices

Community Climate Action

  • Tree Planting
  • Green Gifting
  • Biodiversity & Outreach
About this ministry

Its scope, purpose and people

What the documents give is here; the rest of the committee's own account is being gathered from the Diocesan office.

Who leads it

SecretaryDr. Alagappa Moses
Director, EcologyRev. Roy Hessian
Assistant DirectorRev. Yesukannu
ScopeBeing prepared
PurposeBeing prepared
FunctionsBeing prepared
ObjectivesAbove, in the committee's words
MissionBeing prepared
VisionBeing prepared
Office BearersNamed above
Challenges & NeedsBeing prepared
Upcoming ActivitiesBeing prepared