WCC News: Litokne Kabua encourages churches to use the law for climate justice

Litokne Kabua recently completed an internship with the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the area of climate justice. He took time to reflect on what gives him hope, and what he would like to see churches accomplishing in this area.  Litokne Kabua (on the right), one of the 16 young people from around the world who filed a landmark complaint in 2019 to the the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child for its lack of action on climate change. Photo: Courtesy of Litokne Kabua 08 October 2025 You were one of the original 16 child plaintiffs in 2019 who filed a landmark complaint to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to protest the lack of government action on the climate crisis. What do you still hold in your heart from that experience?  Kabua: Looking back, what I still hold in my heart is hope. The petition itself was a life-changing experience that was able to ring the bells at least and enunciate our calls for climate justice. I say hope because I know there are still people out there, no matter what they are facing, who still want to right the wrongs and bring justice to those who deserve it. Also, I can add that there's still disappointment in how and what is being done regarding the climate crisis. With that said, the petition was dismissed, yet brought into consideration after the General Comment No. 26, which is where I find parts to be misunderstood and misled. Although it was a hard response of "you're on your own" from the committee, there's still a bright light ahead, and my hope is not just for me, but for my people and my country, our future generations.  As a member of the United Church of Christ in the Marshall Islands, how do you encourage other churches to use the law for climate justice? Kabua: I encourage churches to use the law for climate justice by knowing our rights. Climate change threatens our homes, health, and culture. Laws protect these rights, and churches can help their members understand and defend them. Also, seeing legal action as a ministry, standing up for justice, caring for creation, and protecting vulnerable people are a part of our faith. Utilizing the law is one way to embody these values. Most definitely, working together, churches have more power when they join with youth, nongovernmental organizations, and legal advocates. Together, we can push for policies and actions that protect our islands and our people.  What was the most meaningful work for you during your internship?  Kabua: The most meaningful work during this internship is writing my personal blog about work with our landmark petition and experiences within the climate crisis. It was published successfully, thanks to those who contributed to making that happen. Once again, my story is told and shared along with the works of the WCC, hoping that this will be able to move hearts and keep driving those seeking climate justice to keep on fighting, no matter what comes along.  What’s next for you?  Kabua: This is my last year in my undergraduate studies here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in economics with a minor in environmental studies. After my graduation, I will head back home to visit family and possibly work while being there. Unfortunately, I haven't been back since I came to the US to pursue my studies in the fall of 2022. Personally, I feel that my body is yearning for that warm weather and swimming in the beaches of my island home. So far, I'm planning to continue my educational career to graduate and possibly post-graduate studies later on. Not sure what exactly I will pursue, but in the future, I see myself in policymaking to help and give back to our island home.  We spoke up. Will you answer? (Blog post by Litokne Kabue, 14 August 2025) Learn more about the Climate-Responsible Banking  Churches’ Commitments to Children See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

You're Invited–Join us for our upcoming events

View this email in your browser At Sojourners, we know the journey toward justice is not something we walk alone. Each step forward is taken together—rooted in faith, sustained by hope, and strengthened by community.  That’s why we’re inviting you to be part of SojoAction Events: online and in-person gatherings where people of faith and conscience come together to reflect, learn, and act.  These conversations draw on the wisdom of trusted women and men of faith from across traditions—leaders who bring their experience, conviction, and hope for justice to the table. Together, we’ll wrestle with the urgent issues of our day: how our faith calls us to defend democracy, pursue peace, protect creation, and embody the beloved community.  See upcoming SojoAction Events and RSVP here Event Spotlight In faith and hope, Cortnie Brooks Digital Education and Outreach Specialist, Sojourners

WCC News: From Manila to Harare: Youth transform climate fear into church resilience with prayers and actions

On the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, 4 October, young Christians across three continents shared a message at the Season of Creation closing online prayer ceremony: turn climate anxiety into action. Youth from Manila to Harare offered prayers in multiple languages and described their experiences with floods, droughts, and displacement. This year's theme, "Peace with Creation," came from Isaiah 32's prophecy that peace follows justice. Speakers described how the crisis threatens daily survival while communities build practical responses. 07 October 2025 Patricia Mari Mungcal, assistant programme director with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and member of the ACT Alliance Climate Justice Reference Group, joined from a café in Metro Manila as heavy rains disrupted electricity across the capital. Speaking as a humanitarian responder in one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, she described eco-anxiety as "the chronic fear and psychological distress about the climate crisis, the ecological degradation. It is manifested as worry, sadness, anger, fear, or helplessness." Mungcal acknowledged that "it is very valid and reasonable for us to feel that way. It is not a sign of weakness, but a sign that we care and we feel for the creation around us." She continued: "And the important thing about this is to acknowledge that this is not what God intended for the creation. This is brought about by sin, and this is brought about by greed, by the pursuit of profit. Therefore, the hope there is that it can be reversed by doing human actions toward justice and peace." The ceremony featured stories of resilience from three continents. Ngoni Muchenje from Zimbabwe described how communities in Okea South and Buera are introducing climate-smart agriculture, solar-powered boreholes, and youth-led permaculture gardens. "We do not want to be remembered as a generation that watched the earth bleed. Let us be a generation that noted that prayed, planted, protested, and rose," Muchenje declared. Jacob Bush from the United Kingdom described switching to banks that do not invest in fossil fuels. "I know that in reality, something has changed and that my money is no longer being invested in fossil fuels without my permission and instead it's being invested in positive local action," he said. Alphonce Muia Munyao, environmental scientist with the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa, called mitigation and adaptation moral imperatives, noting that Pope Francis positioned the church at the centre of climate response through Laudato Si. "Young people across Africa are leading change through grassroots innovations despite battling anxiety and job insecurity," he said. The ceremony concluded with prayers in multiple languages. Father Savio Silveira prayed: "The poor and the earth are crying out. Oh Lord, seize us with your power and light. Help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty." Dr Louk Andrianos, WCC consultant on creation care, sustainability, and climate justice and member of the Season of Creation steering committee, joined the closing prayer and commented later on the 2025 campaign: "The promotion of the Season of Creation ecumenical movement is part of the WCC Living Planet programme activities. It will play a greater role in the implementation of the Decade of Climate Justice and Action (2025-2035) that was launched this year to increase church resilience and engagement in the decade of eco-conversion or metanoia for reconciliation with creation." WCC presents creation theology webinar during Season of Creation (News Release, 25 September 2025) When Christ meets ECO: a reflection from Ivory Coast's struggles (Blog, 23 September 2025) "Time is running out": WCC climate leader calls for church action during Season of Creation prayer (Feature Story, 10 September 2025) A call for ecological metanoia: prayer, action, and a new way of life (Blog, 04 September 2025) Season of Creation opens with call for “peaceful habitation” amid climate crisis (News Release, 02 September 2025) WCC joins Ecumenical Patriarch in launching Season of Creation with call for "ecological repentance" (News Release, 01 September 2025) Over 100 African faith leaders gather online to strengthen Season of Creation (News Release, 21 August 2025) Faith leaders invite all to celebrate Season of Creation (News Release, 11 August 2025) Online Youth Closing Service for St Francis Day See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Tomorrow night: From Earth Grief to Earth Courage

You are invited to join me for our October climate grief circle, From Earth Grief to Earth Courage, a 75-minute session where we honor the difficult emotions that arise with the climate crisis and then explore new ways of living and being on this earth. We'll meet on Zoom tomorrow (Wednesday) at 5pm PT / 6pm MT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET. Register now. I know that it can feel like a lot to take time for earth grief, especially with so much happening in the world. But because we are in a slow-moving crisis, we are called to get really present with our reality -- and that takes time. It's a practice, a practice that is better held in community than alone. So I hope you'll join me and others around the country in that practice tomorrow night. RSVP here. In grief and hope, Rev. Chelsea MacMillan Building a Worldwide, Multi-faith Climate and Environmental Movement.    1216 Broadway Floor 2 PMB 1005 New York, NY 10001 +1-917-997-8783 Copyright © 2022 GreenFaith - All rights reserved.

WCC News: WCC condemns attack on synagogue in Manchester

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned an attack on a synagogue, Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, in Manchester, in northwestern England on 2 October where two people were killed outside the synagogue in a vehicle ramming and stabbing attack on Yom Kippur.  Photo: Albin Hillert/Life on Earth 03 October 2025 The attack occurred in an area of Manchester that is home to many Orthodox Jews. About 30,000 Jewish people live in Manchester, the largest number in the United Kingdom outside of London.  "The assault is an egregious and unacceptable act of terror against innocent people gathered for a holy day,” said Pillay. “We extend condolences and prayers for all those who lost loved ones and who were traumatized by this senseless act.” Pillay added that “The international community must continue to support peacebuilding and reconciliation across the world. We must reject extremism in all its forms and join in prayer and action for justice, healing, and lasting peace.” See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland