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The panel, entitled “God’s creation in crisis—act now!” included remarks on ecumenical initiatives for just climate and economic systems.
“For over seven decades, the WCC has been a prophetic voice for economic and ecological justice, grounded in the Christian conviction that faith in God requires the transformation of unjust systems and care for God’s creation,” said Mtata. “Our work has evolved through theological reflection, advocacy, solidarity, and, more recently, strategic litigation and long-term climate engagement.”
Mtata described the WCC’s foundational roots in ecological justice. “From its beginning in 1948, the WCC linked Christian witness with social justice and responsible stewardship of creation,” he said. “Early efforts tackled poverty, racism, and economic exploitation.”
In 1983, the WCC 6th Assembly in Vancouver launched the Conciliar Process on Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation.
“Churches engaged the interconnected crises of militarism, economic injustice, and ecological degradation,” said Mtata. “The 1990 World Convocation in Seoul galvanized ecumenical commitment to systemic transformation rooted in faith.”
Mtata also shared how the WCC confronted unjust debt structures, trade inequalities, and neoliberal globalization.
“Justice in land, food, and water was emphasized, highlighting resistance to land grabs, promotion of food sovereignty, and access to water as a human right,” he said. “The concept of ecological debt emerged to name the historical exploitation of the Global South’s resources.”
In 2012, the São Paulo Statement laid theological and ethical foundations for addressing climate, finance, and sustainability.
“A groundbreaking ecumenical initiative—the New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA)—was launched jointly with global ecumenical partners,” said Mtata. "NIFEA proposed deep reforms to global finance and trade systems, including redistribution, regulation, and reparation.”
Within NIFEA, the Zacchaeus Tax (ZacTax) campaign was introduced to advocate for fair and redistributive taxation, including financial transaction taxes, wealth taxes, and action against tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
“The Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, launched at the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan (2013), made ecological and economic justice core to the WCC’s prophetic witness,” said Mtata. “The WCC actively participated in UN climate negotiations, championing climate finance, adaptation, and loss-and-damage mechanisms in support of the 2015 Paris Agreement.”
The WCC has supported faith-based campaigns like the Season of Creation, and joined the Blue Communities movement, defending water as a public good.
“Growing partnerships with Indigenous peoples and frontline communities strengthened advocacy for land, water, and biodiversity protection,” said Mtata. “In response to policy inaction and ecological destruction, the WCC embraced strategic litigation as a tool of accountability.”
Mtata concluded with a look ahead at the Ecumenical Decade for Climate Action (2025–2035).
“The WCC is preparing to launch the Ecumenical Decade for Climate Action (2025–2035)—a bold call for churches worldwide to mobilize in response to the climate emergency,” he said. “This decade marks a critical new chapter of faith-rooted commitment to climate justice and intergenerational solidarity, guided by God’s vision of a just and flourishing Earth.”
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at Kirchentag: “We are family” (WCC news release, 5 May 2025)
Bossey alumni launch European Ecumenical Network at Kirchentag (WCC news release, 2 may 2025)
