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The 12th Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) met from 6-10 October in Katowice, Poland under the theme ‘On the way to economic and ecological justice.’The gathering drew 85 participants from 22 countries of Europe and overseas.
ECEN released a statement that calls on governments and political decision makers to work for a sustainable future and adequate mechanisms to support the most vulnerable people.
The statement also calls on churches and faith communities to “initiate and sustain a broad dialogue among churches and in wider society on the necessary changes to bring about a more sustainable and equitable lifestyle.”
Rev. Henrik Grape, coordinator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) working group on climate change, said that, in a Europe that seems to withdraw from commitments that meet the challenges of climate change, it is encouraging to see that churches in Europe are willing to act.
“Meeting in the heart of the coal district of Europe, it is hopeful to see how churches more and more understand the importance of phasing out the fossil industry and, at the same time, acting responsible to those who need to have their income for their daily lives from coal industry when the industry is closing.”
Dr Louk Andrianos, WCC consultant for care of creation, sustainability and climate justice, reflected that, two months before the 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), the ECEN Assembly reflected on the challenges and the reasons of caring for creation by faith communities. “The extractive economy and over-consumerism lifestyle have to stop now for the sake of earth sustainability and fullness of life for all,” he said.
