Interview
What inspired you to focus your research on the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development?
Rev. Adenekan: My calling is to inspire faith, leadership, and transformation in both church and society. My inspiration was first sparked during a lecture at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey that revealed to me the deep connection between faith, creation care, and justice. What fuels my commitment to the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development is the undeniable relationship between environmental degradation, systemic injustice, and the daily hardships faced by marginalized communities, particularly in the Global South. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the devastation in places like Ogoniland and Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, where environmental exploitation erodes human dignity, threatens livelihoods, impacts the church, and undermines the pursuit of peace. These experiences have ignited my passion for faith-based advocacy and ecumenical engagement. Through my research, I seek to explore how ecumenical bodies like this commission can inspire concrete action for environmental justice and sustainable development, while amplifying the voices of those most affected.
Could you explain the main focus of your research within the context of the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development?
Rev. Adenekan: My research explores “Christian Mission in Ife Land: The Implications of Transforming Discipleship within the Anglican Diocese of Ife, Nigeria.” I focus on the intersection of climate and debt in Nigeria and the role of churches. I explore how churches, ecumenical bodies and Indigenous communities can collaborate to address environmental injustices, particularly in vulnerable regions. By connecting local mission practices in Ife Land with global ecumenical efforts, my work highlights how Christian discipleship today must be engaged with climate action, economic justice, and human rights advocacy. Through this approach, I emphasize the church’s prophetic role in mobilizing for climate justice—whether by shaping policy, supporting grassroots movements, or advancing sustainable development.
How do you see the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development addressing the balance between theological teachings and the urgent need for action?
Rev. Adenekan: I perceive the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development is playing a critical role in bridging theological reflection with practical responses to the ecological crisis. The commission does not merely advocate for climate justice as an isolated moral imperative but frames it within the larger eschatological and ecclesial vision of reconciliation – between God, humanity, and creation. It emphasises the concept of metanoia(repentance and transformation ), urging individuals and communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles as an expression of faith. This theological grounding ensures that action on climate change is not reduced to mere activism but is understood as a vocation emerging from our shared faith convictions.
How do you think the involvement of young people in Nigeria on climate justice and sustainability efforts can shape the future?
Rev. Adenekan: I believe the involvement of young people in Nigeria on climate justice and sustainability efforts is not just crucial, but absolutely transformative for the future, especially within faith-based communities. From my research and engagement, I’ve observed that youth participation in these areas is still relatively low, particularly when we consider the scale of the climate crisis and its direct impact on vulnerable communities like those in Nigeria. However, I am deeply convinced that young people have the potential to be key agents of change. Their energy, creativity, and spiritual convictions can drive impactful solutions when adequately mobilized. The church, especially in Nigeria, holds a powerful influence over the moral and ethical direction of its members, and young people are at the heart of this.
What do you hope your research will contribute to the ongoing conversation about climate justice and sustainable development?
Rev. Adenekan: I hope my research will highlight the critical role faith-based communities, particularly within the Nigerian context, can play in advancing climate justice and sustainable development. By exploring how churches, like the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, engage in climate action and mission work, I aim to show how theology, youth mobilization, and ecumenical collaboration can inspire practical responses to environmental challenges. I want my research to contribute to a global conversation that calls faith communities to integrate environmental stewardship into their core mission, how churches can Influence policies, by encouraging ethical financing, awareness, and advocacy and also empowering especially young people to lead efforts for justice, sustainability, and the care of creation.
