Reimagining Eco-Justice: South Asian Jesuits Move Toward Advocacy
Environmentalist Dr Sunita Narain, Director of the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi, situated the ecological crisis within a broader global reality. She spoke about three major forces shaping the present world: climate disruption, political and economic instability, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. “These crises are interconnected,” she said, “and together they increase vulnerability, especially among the poor.” Her message was direct and uncompromising:“Sustainability without justice is impossible.” The annual meeting of Eco-Jesuit delegates in South Asia, held from 17-19 April 2026 at Inigo Bhawan in Matigara, Darjeeling, became much more than a routine gathering. Set against the fragile ecology of the Eastern Himalayas, the meeting turned into a moment of discernment on the future of Jesuit ecological engagement in the region. Representatives from across the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) gathered to reflect on one pressing question: how can Jesuit ecological efforts move beyond awareness toward meaningful advocacy and systemic change? A Context of Urgency and Hope Held during the Easter season, the gathering carried a spirit of hope rooted in action. Participants recognised that the ecological crisis is no longer distant or abstract. It is immediate, complex, and deeply unjust, disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable. In his keynote address, Fr Stanislaus D’Souza reflected on the Jesuit ecological journey through the lenses of past, present, and future. He acknowledged the many initiatives already undertaken across the Conference, including environmental education, grassroots engagement, and sustainability efforts within Jesuit institutions. At the same time, he pointed out important shortcomings. “Our efforts are often fragmented”, he observed. “Ecology is still treated as secondary in many places, rather than as something central to our mission.” Understanding the Wider Crisis Environmentalist Dr Sunita Narain, Director of the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi, situated the ecological crisis within a broader global reality. She spoke about three major forces shaping the present world: climate disruption, political and economic instability, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. “These crises are interconnected,” she said, “and together they increase vulnerability, especially among the poor.” Her message was direct and uncompromising:“Sustainability without justice is impossible.” She challenged approaches that rely solely on technology and called instead for development models that are inclusive, people-centred, and attentive to livelihoods, equity, and access to resources. Advocacy and Collaboration as Integral to Mission “Advocacy is more than creating awareness”, said Fr Frazer Mascarenhas. “It means engaging systems, influencing policies, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized.” He noted that such engagement requires collaboration, competence, courage, and long-term commitment. Advocacy, he insisted, is a natural extension of the Jesuit call to faith and justice. Offering a global perspective, Fr Roberto Jaramillo reflected on the gradual process through which Jesuits are learning the language and practice of advocacy. “We are still learning advocacy”, he admitted. “It requires humility, openness, and the willingness to work with others.”