Dr Mathews George Chunakara, from the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, is moderator of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. The commission is contributing to the conference by analysing some of the most pertinent issues in today’s global context and helping participants discern contextual challenges. "As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, the ethical crisis becomes more evident, characterised by a loss of trust and a sense of powerlessness, especially as these issues threaten people’s security,” he said. What the world now urgently requires is a concerted effort to address the unprecedented and interconnected ethical crises amid polycrisis, Chunakara added. “Humanity must navigate the future within an ethical framework, especially as the international order faces an ethical crisis characterised by the breakdown of shared values and the erosion of ethical principles,” he said. “It is hoped that participants become aware of the need to reflect on their prophetic witness as established multilateral institutions weaken and inequalities in economic, military, and technological capabilities between the West and the Global South deepen,” Chunakara said. “Peace on earth and with earth” For the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, the focus is on the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action, explained commission moderator Archbishop Julio E. Murray, from the Anglican Church in the Central Region of America. The theme of the special decade during 2027 will be “Peace on earth and with earth.” Murray noted that the climate emergency is already threatening lives, cultures, and homelands. “Communities that have contributed least to the crisis face some of its gravest consequences, especially in the Global South and among Indigenous Peoples,” he said. “For those most at risk, action and support cannot wait.” He pointed out that every delay deepens injustice. “The conference in Chiang Mai has given an opportunity to express a shared commitment from all the commissions, reference groups, and staff,” said Murray. “Together with churches and partners worldwide, let us make 2027 a year in which our worship, daily choices, and public action show that climate justice belongs at the heart of Christian faith.” Churches’ contributions to health Dr Gisela Schneider, co-chair for the Access and Health Systems Working Group of the WCC Commission on Health and Healing, first noted that health has been an important part of the churches’ witness. “Today, in our world of poly-crisis and conflict, health is threatened due to a lack of resources and the impact of climate crisis on health,” she said. “The Commission on Health and Healing strengthens the advocacy for health in sustainable development and underlines the important role the church plays in access to health especially among the marginalised.” Churches can and do contribute a positive impact on health, said Schneider. “On one hand, it provides access to health services especially in crisis situations such as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where churches play an important role in addressing this. On the other hand, the church can advocate for more equitable access to care with their respective governments, and the commission wants to support churches in this work of advocacy.” Listening before speaking: conference participants meet local communities in Chiang Mai (WCC Feature story, 8 October 2026) Chiang Mai conference opens to explore “Being Church in the World Today” (WCC News release, 05 October 2026) PHOTO GALLERY: Conference of the WCC Commissions and Reference Groups on Life, Justice and Peace in Chiang Mai, Thailand | 
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