The World Council of Churches (WCC), with the Laudato Si’ Movement and other partners, will cohost a seminar in Assisi, Italy, on 15-16 March. Entitled "The Feast of Creation and the Mystery of Creation: Ecumenism, Theology, Liturgy, and Signs of the Times in Dialogue,” the event aims to deepen the collective understanding and appreciation of the Feast of Creation, observed on 1 September.
Julia Rensberg, a passionate advocate for youth and Indigenous Sami communities from the Church of Sweden, took centre stage at the Faith Pavilion's side event on “Interfaith Youth Dialogue on Climate Justice, Promoting Resilience and Hope.”
During a meeting on 28 October, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Right Livelihood exchanged dialogue and ideas on response to the climate emergency and other initiatives.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) and International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) co-hosted a hybrid event on 2 June at Stockholm+50. Exploring the theme “Climate Action and Water for Life towards Creation Justice!” the event reflected on the current scenario of the climate emergency and global water crisis which are interconnected and impact each other as well as the sustainability of the earth.
An interfaith statement developed at Stockholm+50, “Faith Values and Reach - Contribution to Environmental Policy,” was signed by representatives of various faith-based organizations and Indigenous cultures across the world, including the World Council of Churches, and directed to the governments, UN entities, civil society, and all stakeholders of the “Stockholm+50” processes.
The World Council of Churches and International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) are co-hosting a hybrid event on 2 June at Stockholm+50. Exploring the theme “Climate Action and Water for Life towards Creation Justice!” the event will reflect on the current scenario of the climate emergency and global water crisis which are interconnected and impact each other as well as the sustainability of the earth.
COP26 is in full swing, and I manage to follow it from my desk at home, thanks to digital technology. This is one positive thing we learned from COVID-19: we don’t need to fly around the world anymore. That is…provided there is good internet connection, which is not always the case in all countries.
The 5th Ecumenical Pilgrimage for Climate Justice from Poland to Glasgow crossed the English Channel from IJmuiden in the Netherlands to Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England on 11 October. They were given a warm welcome on site.
In the lead-up to the UN climate change conference (COP26), to be held 1-12 November in Scotland, churches are strengthening their collective calls for climate action and justice.
Bishop Johan Tyrberg and a delegation from the Church of Sweden in Lund visited the World Council of Churches on 22-23 September, participating in a morning prayer for Christian unity, receiving a guided tour and discussing the theme of the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly, “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”
Lorraine Netro, who was raised in the Gwich’in First Nation of Old Crow, Yukon (Canada), is part of an indigenous community—but she’s also a global citizen.
“Today’s Arctic peoples are important members of global society,” Netro said. “The survival of Arctic cultures and communities remains tied to the wildlife and landscape of the Arctic Refuge.”
Die Bischöfe der Kirche von Schweden haben ein neues Bischofsschreiben zum Klimanotstand herausgegeben, das wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse und Seelsorge, Theologie und konkrete Appelle bündelt.
Bishops from the Church of Sweden have issue a new missive on the climate emergency that combines scientific knowledge with pastoral care, theology and specific appeals.
Los obispos de la Iglesia de Suecia han publicado una nueva carta sobre la emergencia climática que aúna los conocimientos científicos con el cuidado pastoral, la teología y peticiones concretas.
Les évêques de l’Église de Suède ont publié une nouvelle lettre sur l’urgence climatique qui associe des connaissances scientifiques, un accompagnement pastoral, la théologie et des appels spécifiques.
“If we should be true to our faith, we cannot be quiet when we see what is happening,” reads the declaration of the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to the United Nations climate change summit COP25 taking place in Madrid, Spain, 2-13 December. “We are voices that are driven by hope and compassion. In a most urgent situation to bend the emissions down faith traditions must contribute to the urgent transformation.”
„Gott ist der Klimawandel ganz bestimmt nicht egal, denn er schwächt überall auf unserer Welt Menschen, die bereits schwach, verarmt und auf sich selbst gestellt sind“, sagte Pastor Dr. Nestor Friedrich aus Brasilien in seiner Predigt während einer ökumenischen Andacht am 8. Dezember in der Spanischen Evangelischen Kirche in Madrid anlässlich des UN-Klimagipfels COP25.
“God is never indifferent to climate change that weakens the already weakened, impoverished and scattered populations throughout our world,” said Rev. Dr Nestor Friedrich, from Brazil, as he delivered the sermon during an ecumenical prayer service held on 8 December, in the Spanish Evangelical Church, in Madrid, during the United Nations climate change summit COP25.
“Dios nunca es indiferente al cambio climático que debilita a las ya socavadas, empobrecidas y dispersas poblaciones de todo el mundo”, afirmó el Rev. Dr. Nestor Friedrich, de Brasil, al pronunciar el sermón durante un culto ecuménico celebrado el 8 de diciembre en la Iglesia Evangélica Española, en Madrid, durante la cumbre de las Naciones Unidas sobre el cambio climático COP25.
«Dieu ne reste jamais indifférent aux changements climatiques qui affaiblissent les populations déjà affaiblies, appauvries et dispersées de par le monde», déclare le pasteur Nestor Friedrich, du Brésil, dans son sermon prononcé à la célébration de prière œcuménique du 8 décembre, en l’église évangélique espagnole, à Madrid, dans le cadre de la COP25, le sommet des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques.