The Annual Meeting of Ecology and Justice Secretariats of the South Asian Jesuit Conference was held at Ashirvad, Bangalore on 20-21 October 2025. The two-day meeting, hosted by Fr.Jerald D’Souza and coordinated by Fr. Xavier Soreng, JCSA Secretary for Ecology & Justice.
Day 1 featured sharing of new initiatives, best practices, and challenges across Provinces, emphasizing the interconnection between ecology and social justice. Key concerns discussed included economic inequality, caste and gender discrimination and environmental degradation. The day concluded with an evening Eucharist celebrated by Fr. John Felix (DUM), focusing on justice, equity, and democratic integrity.
Day 2 began with a Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Nazareth Joseph, followed by a recap of the previous day by Fr. S. M. Kennedy. Coordinators from various national networks—Quality Education (Sankalp), Eco-Jesuits, Justice in Mining, Migration Assistance Information Network (MAIN), and Jesuit Youth Ministry of South Asia (JYMSA)—shared updates, highlighting ongoing advocacy, livelihood programs, and youth leadership formation.
In discussions on the relevance of Social Action Ministry, participants reaffirmed its central importance in addressing present-day injustices, calling for renewed commitment, collective effort, and deeper formation rooted in liberation theology and constitutional values. The meeting also introduced a new methodology for assessment of social action ministries and proposed forming a Central Accompaniment Team to coordinate across regions. Plans were made for enhanced networking and collaboration with social research institutions.
Reported by Christopher Kujur, Hazaribag SJES Coordinator
Day 1 featured sharing of new initiatives, best practices, and challenges across Provinces, emphasizing the interconnection between ecology and social justice. Key concerns discussed included economic inequality, caste and gender discrimination and environmental degradation. The day concluded with an evening Eucharist celebrated by Fr. John Felix (DUM), focusing on justice, equity, and democratic integrity.
Day 2 began with a Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Nazareth Joseph, followed by a recap of the previous day by Fr. S. M. Kennedy. Coordinators from various national networks—Quality Education (Sankalp), Eco-Jesuits, Justice in Mining, Migration Assistance Information Network (MAIN), and Jesuit Youth Ministry of South Asia (JYMSA)—shared updates, highlighting ongoing advocacy, livelihood programs, and youth leadership formation.
In discussions on the relevance of Social Action Ministry, participants reaffirmed its central importance in addressing present-day injustices, calling for renewed commitment, collective effort, and deeper formation rooted in liberation theology and constitutional values. The meeting also introduced a new methodology for assessment of social action ministries and proposed forming a Central Accompaniment Team to coordinate across regions. Plans were made for enhanced networking and collaboration with social research institutions.
Reported by Christopher Kujur, Hazaribag SJES Coordinator
