News
Right Livelihood, which describes itself as a courage-powered community for social change, annually bestows awards to individuals or organizations, to recognize “the actions of brave visionaries and building impactful connections around the world.”
The WCC and Right Livelihood discussed mutual support and synergies, particularly involvement in the global network of laureates, as well as initiatives related to climate justice and peacebuilding. The WCC and the Right Livelihood organized a day-long seminar on 12 May, offered in a hybrid format, to support and empower churches and faith-based communities respond more effectively to the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay said after the meeting “Right Livelihood has many areas that mutually overlap with WCC’s priority of addressing climate-related issues for positive social change and include the local actors like religious leaders and communities. We are extremely keen about working together in areas of peace and caring for the earth and creation. Most commendable is Right Livelihood`s focus on practical information and involvement when it comes to climate justice.”
Pillay underlined the need for “forming collaborative partnerships has the potential to create a high impact in making a sustainable difference and solving global problems.” He added,“ we look forward to working with Right Livelihood on issues of common interests to make a difference in the world.”
Right Livelihood executive director Ole von Uexkull and Right Livelihood board chair Rev. Dr Gunilla Hallonsten stressed the importance of faith-based approaches in working for sustainability. Hallonsten said she was “impressed with the work that Churches around the world do to for climate justice. And I see much more potential.” Uexkull added that he looked forward to “linking faith-based actors with Right Livelihood Laureates to mutually strengthen their work on the ground”.
WCC general secretary Pillay was accompanied by WCC director of Communication Marianne Ejdersten and Rev. Nathan Day Wilson, WCC manager, of Income Monitoring & Development.
Image
On 30 October, Rev. Dr Gunilla Hallonsten, Dean at the Church of Sweden in Malmö and Chair of the Right Livelihood Board, and Ole von Uexküll, Right Livelihood Executive Director, met with with WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay.
Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC