Telugu Church Leaders Commit to Climate Action and Ecological Spirituality

Hyderabad, June 18, 2026: Church leaders, social service representatives, and environmental advocates from across the Telugu-speaking region have pledged to intensify their response to climate change and ecological degradation, following a regional consultation on Climate Change and Ecological Spirituality held at HASSS, Hyderabad, on June 15.

The one-day seminar-cum-workshop, jointly organised by the AP Forum of the Diocesan Social Service Societies and the CBCI Commission for Environment and Climate Change, brought together delegates from 14 dioceses to explore practical and faith-based responses to the growing environmental crisis.

Inaugurating the gathering, Cardinal Antony Poola, Chairman of the CBCI, called for an “awakened action” from the Church in addressing ecological concerns. Appreciating the initiative, he noted that it was the first time a CBCI commission had organised such a programme in the Telugu region, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening the Church’s environmental mission.

The programme was guided by Bishop Ivan Pereira, Chairman of the CBCI Commission for Environment and Climate Change, who encouraged participants to learn from one another and journey together in responding to the climate crisis. In a session on “Heat Waves, Tree Loss and Climate Resilience,” he explained the scientific foundations of global warming and climate change while highlighting the urgent need for communities to build resilience against increasingly severe environmental challenges.

Bishop Prakash Singli of Khamma, Chairman of the Regional Commission on Ecology, delivered both the keynote and valedictory addresses. He challenged delegates to embrace their responsibility as stewards of creation and urged them to intensify efforts to protect the Earth, the Church’s “Common Home.”

A key session on the “Ecological Dimension of Christian Spirituality as a Lifestyle” was presented by Fr. Prashant CMI. Drawing inspiration from the papal encyclical Laudato Si', he outlined practical ways in which ecological spirituality can be integrated into daily Christian living and community life.

The afternoon was devoted to diocesan group discussions and action planning. Representatives from all 14 dioceses presented concrete commitments and outlined initiatives they intend to implement in their local contexts to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices.

Participants were also introduced to an eight-point action plan and the “10-GREEN Commandments,” a set of practical ecological guidelines aimed at fostering environmentally responsible lifestyles. In keeping with the programme’s ecological emphasis, these materials were distributed digitally through a dedicated WhatsApp group, eliminating the need for printed documents and reducing paper consumption.

The meeting concluded on a deeply spiritual note with a Telugu pledge for the Care of the Common Home. Led by Bishop Prakash Singli, the pledge invited participants to reaffirm their commitment to ecological stewardship, with delegates responding enthusiastically to each resolution with a resounding “Amen.”

The gathering reflected the growing commitment of the Catholic Church in the Telugu region to integrate environmental responsibility with Christian faith and spirituality, while encouraging dioceses to take concrete and collaborative action in safeguarding creation for future generations.

By Catholic Connect Reporter