Beacons of hope in a time of climate crisis

From an interview with Vatican News and the World Council of Churches

In light of the recent data from Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service, the video statement below from the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay (World Environment Day, 5 June, 2024) is timely and concerning.

In his video message Dr Pillay said: “We reflect on the pressing issues that face our planet today. These challenges threaten the very ecosystems that sustain life.”

In fact, Pillay noted, we are risking the wellbeing of present and future generations – yet faith-based groups can serve as beacons of hope. “It’s heartening to witness the proactive response of faith-based organizations around the world,” he said. “We are guided by principles of stewardship, compassion, and reverence for the natural world.”

Pillay urged inspiring and mobilizing communities towards action. “We can leverage our moral authority and our vast networks to advocate for restoration and resilience,” he said. “Through the teachings, rituals, and community engagement, we can instill a profound sense of interconnectedness with nature.”

He reaffirmed the WCC’s commitment to the preservation and restoration of land. “Let us embrace a future where environmental stewardship is not just a duty but a shared moral imperative,” he said. “Let us pray and act in ways that preserve and protect our land and our future.”

Additionally, “it is essential that we reflect on the pressing issues of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience that face our planet. These challenges not only threaten the very ecosystems that sustain life but also pose a significant risk to the well-being of present and future generations. In addressing these critical issues faith-based organizations around the world are Guided by principles of stewardship, compassion, and reverence for the natural world. Faith-based organizations have emerged as beacons of hope and agents of change in environmental conservation and sustainability.”

Speaking to the role faith-based communities can play Prof. Pillay continued: “Faith-based organizations are uniquely positioned to leverage the moral authority and vast networks to advocate for responsible land management practices; they support restoration initiatives and foster resilience in the face of desertification and drought.

Faith-based organizations instill a profound sense of interconnectedness with nature nurturing a collective consciousness that recognizes our inherent duty to safeguard the Earth for future Generations. By forging partnerships with faith-based groups the UN and national governments can harness the power of faith to catalyze transformative change.” 

Watch the video here. It is well worth three minutes of your time, and mine.