Indigenous Peoples reference group visited The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan in December

The Reference Group held a formal meeting to make plans for 2026 and 2027. Working groups on engagement with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples, climate justice, and the development of resources for member churches developed their initiatives. Fundraising for the reference group’s activities was also an important topic. 

The full reference group heard about and discussed how to contribute to the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action. The group was briefed on the outcomes of the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, particularly those related to Indigenous peoples, their spiritual life, and justice issues. This input assisted the Reference Group to consider how it will follow up on the conference and advance work at the next Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in 2028. 

During their visit, the Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network Reference Group attended prayer services with Indigenous people at the Changshan Presbyterian Church. The group was also engaged in outdoor Indigenous learning activities with the Atayal people and visited the Smangus tribal village. A small group remained in Taiwan for three extra days to visit other Indigenous communities.

"WCC Indigenous Peoples Network Reference Group convenes for first in-person gathering", WCC feature story, 24 October 2024

Download the "Indigenous Spiritualities, Land Rights, and Climate Justice report"

Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network

Commission on World Mission and Evangelism