Peran Gereja Mengimplementasikan Pendekatan Ekopastoral Untuk Meningkatkan Kesadaran Ekologi Masyarakat Kampung Pehe, Kepulauan Sitaro, Terhadap Dampak Pembuangan Sampah Di Laut

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the role of the church in implementing an ecopastoral approach to

increase the ecological awareness of the coastal community of Pehe Village, Siau Tagulandang Biaro Islands

Regency (Sitaro), towards the impact of marine littering. The problem of marine pollution that occurs in this

area is caused by the low awareness of the community, especially fishermen, of the importance of protecting

the sea as part of God's creation. This research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach

to deeply explore the subjective experiences of the people of Pehe Village regarding their awareness and

behavior towards marine littering.

Data collection methods included interviews, observation, and documentation, and were analyzed

using the Miles and Huberman model. The results showed that the low ecological awareness is influenced

by theological understanding that has not been internalized, the lack of participation in environmental action,

and the suboptimal role of the church in ecopastoral services. Coastal communities interpret the sea as a

source of livelihood, but have not lived it as a creation that must be cared for according to the mandate of

Christian faith. Through an ecopastoral approach that includes contextual liturgy, ecological theology

education, community empowerment, and environmental action, the church has the strategic potential to

build ecological awareness of the congregation holistically. This research recommends that the church

strengthen its pastoral function in ecological issues as a tangible manifestation of faith that is responsible

for the sustainability of creation