WCC NEWS: After string of violent protests, Kenyan churches urge protection of freedoms and rule of law

As Kenyan church leaders seek peace and dialogue, the groups are also demanding justice, the protection of freedoms and rights, and the rule of law, after protests left behind a trail of death, pain, and destruction.  Kenya Gen-Z converge for a photo at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, after prayers to remember their members who died on June 25 , 2024. Photo: Fredrick Nzwili 11 July 2025 The churches' move comes after youth organized a string of demonstrations to demand government action on corruption, unemployment, high taxation, and police brutality, among other issues.  Before storming the streets, the youth mobilized through social media. They have marched unarmed, carrying national flags, bottles of water, and mobile phones. “It is a valid call on the government to lead in a way centered on people’s lived realities, more so, the youth,” said Kevin Maina, a Kenyan Anglican church youth leader who advocates for youth, climate justice, and social change. Maina is a member of the World Council of Churches Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. “The level of accountability on public resources is very low and this continues to bring frustration to a population that can barely take care of its basic needs,” said Maina, adding that churches could continue to hold the government accountable through avenues available to them. “The protests may not stop soon because the government continues to rule with an iron fist…instead of critically engaging the people on issues affecting them.” Youth have also been victims of unexplained disappearances, abduction, and extra-judicial killings, something that the church leaders say must be addressed. Also of concern to church leaders is the violent suppression of protests by riot police and men armed with crude weapons, and the ensuing chaos during which shops and businesses have been looted, innocent civilians attacked, and women raped. For the church leaders, this amounts to a clampdown on the freedom of expression, assembly, and the right to picket. “[We are] deeply perturbed by the growing trend where the state is blatantly, violently denying Kenyans the right to enjoy the right to picket,” said the Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya. On 7 July, this pattern of violence and brutality reoccurred during protests called to mark the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba (7,7) a day when Kenyans celebrate the birth of constitutionalism, multiparty democracy, and the rule of law in the country. At least 30 protesters died – most killed by the police, with hundreds of others injured. “We demand, in line with the constitution and the National Police Service Act, that security agencies provide adequate security to all peace and unarmed demonstrators, ensuring that every Kenyan enjoys the rights and freedoms,” said Kinyanjui. On June 25, another 16 people died in a protest called by the youth to mark the first anniversary of the anti-tax demonstrations last year, which left at least 60 people dead. In an attempt to break up the massive demonstration, the police used live and rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas. Also seen attacking the youth protestors were men armed with whips and clubs. According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, 115 people have died and hundreds have been injured in the protests since June last year. Meanwhile, the Interreligious Council of Kenya, a grouping of Christians, Muslims, Hindu, and Buddhists, warned that the dominant political elite, fighting to acquire, protect, and consolidate political and economic power, was tearing apart the country with unprecedented tension, violence, and killing of innocent citizens. “Kenya is in a dangerous and bad state…we cannot continue like this,” said Catholic Bishop Willybard Lagho, the council’s chairman, in a statement on July 9, which called on the president to restore public trust. “Politicians must also be compelled to immediately cease using religion and negative ethnicity for political mobilization.” 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

EarthBeat Weekly: Bishops of the Global South, Pope Leo appeal for urgent climate action, ecological conversion

Bishops of the Global South, Pope Leo appeal for urgent climate action, ecological conversion Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change July 11, 2025 Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass "for the care of creation" on the grounds of the Borgo Laudato Si' ecology center in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 9, 2025. (CNS/Cristian Gennari, pool) In the last two EarthBeat Weekly newsletters, I spoke of NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe's two-part series on the future of Laudato Si', which looked at the roles Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican as well as grassroot groups of Catholics around the world might play.  The news events of the first two weeks of July have offered concrete examples of both powerfully moving forward in the spirit of Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical. On July 1, bishops across the Global South issued an unprecedented appeal for stronger climate action — including an end to fossil fuels — at the U.N. climate conference, COP30, in Belém, Brazil, in November.  The 34-page letter is the first-ever joint appeal issued by the continental conferences of Catholic bishops in Latin America, Africa and Asia, representing 821 million Catholics.  "The Church will not remain silent. We will continue to raise our voice alongside science, civil society, and the most vulnerable, with truth and consistency, until justice is done," said the bishops. Read more: Bishops of Asia, Africa, Latin America unite in unprecedented climate appeal The next day, the Vatican released Pope Leo XIV's message for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, celebrated later this year on Sept. 1. This is essentially the new pope's first statement dedicated to environment and climate issues. In it, he quoted Laudato Si' extensively while offering his most expansive reflection on the subject, including environmental justice:  "Environmental justice — implicitly proclaimed by the prophets — can no longer be regarded as an abstract concept or a distant goal. It is an urgent need that involves much more than simply protecting the environment. For it is a matter of justice — social, economic and human. For believers it is also a duty born of faith, since the universe reflects the face of Jesus Christ, in whom all things were created and redeemed. In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity." Read more: Catholics must respond to environmental injustice with prayer, concrete action, pope says Then on July 3, the Vatican added a new Mass "for the care of creation" to the Roman Missal. According to Cardinal Michael Czerny, it is a response to "requests for a liturgical way of celebrating the meaning and the message of Laudato Si'."  Pope Leo XIV celebrated the new Mass for the care of creation for the first time July 9 in the gardens of the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo, where to the accompaniment of chirping birds he said in his homily, "We must pray for the conversion of many people, inside and outside of the church, who still do not recognize the urgency of caring for our common home." Read more: Pope prays for conversion of those resisting climate action at new Mass     What else is new on EarthBeat:   Catholic solar projects in peril as GOP bill slashes clean energy tax credits by Brian Roewe For religious organizations, loss of the rebates jeopardizes financing options for clean energy projects and is expected to result in millions of dollars less in energy cost savings that could otherwise be reinvested in other church ministries and programs.   The new Mass 'for the care of creation' is a mixed bag by Daniel P. Horan I wonder whether the framing of the liturgy itself in instrumentalizing terms may unintentionally reinscribe problematic views of the relationship between the human and more-than-human world.   Cardinal criticizes reliance on coal for electricity in South Africa, calls for switch to renewable energy by Tawanda Karombo Cardinal Stephen Brislin said amid the threats of climate change that experts say is being fast-tracked by global warming brought about by carbon emissions, there is renewed hope for environmental and climate change awareness among young people in South Africa.   Environmental cuts in 'Big Beautiful Bill' alarm Catholic advocates by Kimberley Heatherington, OSV News The June 18, 2015, anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Si' coincided with proposals by Congress to defund America's clean energy investments and pollution reduction programs, sell public lands to industry, establish legal permitting detours for potential polluters, and eliminate federal subsidies for energy-efficient technologies, among other not-so-green actions.   After the flood: Grief, faith and a community holding on in Texas by Camillo Barone Two days after floodwaters tore through Kerr County, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller installed the new pastor for Kerrville's Notre Dame Parish, in a Mass that was "a powerful sign of how God cares for his people."   In Texas region prone to catastrophic floods, questions grow about lack of warning by Paul Cobler, The Texas Tribune Water rose fast along the Guadalupe River, causing 68 deaths as of Sunday afternoon. Local officials said they couldn’t have seen it coming.   Death toll in Texas flash floods nears 70 as sheriff says 11 campers remain missing by Jim Vertuno, Julio Cortez, John Seewer, Associated Press Rescuers maneuvered through challenging terrain as a desperate search for the missing girls stretched into a third day after floodwaters surged into a summer camp. Texans were asked to pray that survivors would be found.   San Antonio Archdiocese asks for prayers after dozens perish in severe flooding in Texas by Lauretta Brown, OSV News At least 20 girls are missing from Christian camp along the Guadalupe River, which rose nearly 30 feet in less than an hour. Authorities confirm 24 dead, and expect more casualties.    5 things I'm doing to raise creation-keepers in my home by Elisa Johnston When my daughter told me recycling was a "white mom thing," I knew I was missing the mark on teaching her about why God calls us to care for creation. Here are 5 things I'm now doing differently.   What's happening in other climate news: Democrats and climate groups 'too polite' in fight against 'malevolent' fossil fuel giants, says key senator —Mark Hertsgaard for The Guardian Debate erupts over role job cuts played in weather forecasts ahead of deadly Texas floods —Michael Biesecker and Brian Slodysko for the Associated Press Intense downpours like those in Texas are more frequent, but there's no telling where they'll happen —Tammy Webber for the Associated Press Flood predictions could worsen when Trump's cuts take hold —Scott Waldman and Chelsea Harvey for Politico Trump hires scientists who doubt the consensus on climate change —Maxine Joselow for The New York Times Trump's first EPA promised to crack down on forever chemicals. His second EPA is pulling back. —Anna Clark for ProPublica    Going beyond grass: Turning lawns Into a pollinators' paradise —Karen Mockler for The Revelator   Final Beat: EarthBeat shared in 14 of the 70 Catholic Media Awards earned by National Catholic Reporter this year, with contributions to the packages of stories that received first place awards for Best Coverage — Political Issues, Best Coverage — Racial Inequities and Best Coverage of Ecumenical and Interfaith Issues.  EarthBeat's coverage of last year's U.N. climate change conference, COP29, also earned a first place award for Best News Writing Series — International Event. Both the written and video components of a reporting project completed with grant funding from Solutions Journalism Network for coverage of youth mental health earned recognition: first place for Best Reporting on a Special Age-Group — Young Adults (18-40) and an honorable mention for Best Use of Video on Social Media — Ongoing Series — Diocesan and National News Organizations. Earthbeat earned four awards in the Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues — Care for God's Creation category first place, third place, and two honorable mentions (one for news and one for commentary).  Also in the Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues section, EarthBeat earned honorable mentions for coverage of Call to Family, Community and Participation and Solidarity. NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe earned an honorable mention for Writer of the Year. And this very EarthBeat Weekly newsletter earned second place for Best National Electronic Newsletter. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who supports our work sharing faith and climate stories!  Thanks for reading EarthBeat. Stephanie Clary Environment Editor National Catholic Reporter sclary@ncronline.org     Featured Advertisers   Looking to Hire? Offering Retreats? Selling Books? Place an Ad in NCR's Online Classified Section for Only $75 per Month!   Advertisement

Truth and Action Roundup 7.11.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and action for the second Trump administration. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. Flooding in Kerrville, Texas, has left us in deep mourning for the lives lost due to heavy rains, reminding us that every moment with our loved ones is precious. With this understanding, we must act passionately to protect those we can and direct our collective efforts toward a vision of true peace. As we sift through the information in the aftermath of this disaster, which has claimed the lives of our neighbors, we must be clear-eyed and decisive in demanding a complete understanding of the failures that have led to so many lives being lost. With so many people coming forward to offer their prayers and resources, we must also demand the truth. — Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners  In the News Here’s what’s been happening this week: 1) After floods in Texas killed at least 104 people last weekend, the search for victims—and answers—continues: Camp Mystic, where at least 27 campers and counselors died during the floods, had a state-mandated disaster plan approved just two days before the floods. As of this writing, the details of that plan and its execution remain unclear. Recent firings and buyouts at the National Weather Service, resulting from Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts, have created staffing shortages, including the office nearest to the flood area, prompting a call from Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. for an investigation into the role those shortages may have played. 2) The GOP majorities in Congress are pursuing other legislative priorities after passing a significant piece of the president’s agenda: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBB, which Donald Trump signed into law last week, remains highly unpopular with the American people. In polls conducted between May 2025 and July 3, an average of 31% of respondents supported the legislation, while 54% who opposed it, making it possibly the most unpopular budget legislation ever. The Senate GOP is considering cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting as proposed by the administration and approved by the House in a rescissions package. This package requires only a simple majority to pass instead of the customary 60-vote threshold. It must be approved by July 18, or it will expire. 3) Trump's deportation regime continues to ramp up: The recently passed OBBB Act will ‘supercharge’ the Trump administration’s budget for mass deportation and immigration detention by allocating an additional $170 billion in funding. The infusion of funding will make ICE the “largest federal law enforcement agency in the history of the nation,” according to the American Immigration Council’s Aaron Reichlin-Melnick. Federal agents and National Guard troops caused alarm and outrage when they briefly swarmed the mostly empty MacArthur Park on Monday, located in a neighborhood in Los Angeles where many immigrants reside. The raid ended abruptly and the Department of Homeland Security has not said whether anyone was arrested. After the Supreme Court removed legal obstacles, the Trump administration deported eight men to politically unstable South Sudan, even though none of them are a citizen of that country. 4) The IRS announced on Monday that churches and other houses of worship are now allowed to endorse political candidates to their congregations, reversing a decades-old ban on the practice. The ban still applies to other non-profit organizations. The reversal raises concerns that the move will incentivize candidates and parties to seek support from congregations. Take Action Here are some resources to support those recovering from flooding in Texas. As we continue to learn about the circumstances leading to this tragedy, we must always keep the people directly affected at the forefront of our minds and hearts. Next week, a national series of events honoring the John Lewis Day of Action through “Good Trouble Lives On” will take place. You can find a local event to participate in and support our democracy. There will be a webinar featuring faith leaders and me (Rev. Moya Harris) on Tuesday in preparation for a day of advocacy on Capitol Hill. What We’re Reading 100 Years After the Scopes Trial, What Is Truth? | It was, in a sense, a shot heard round the world, for it too was delivered in defense of freedom. In this case, though, the freedom to worship and to learn was at stake. (by Brenda Wineapple) Meet The Palestinian Student Who Just Beat The Trump Administration | Student activist Mohsen Mahdawi on what it was like to be detained by ICE for 16 days — and why he’s not giving up. (By Josiah Daniels) With mutual aid playing such a critical role in the response to the flooding in Texas, we are highlighting this piece from 2022, Mutual Aid’s Radical Christian Roots. | From the book of Acts to Mennonite solidarity, mutual aid has long been a way to create networks of communal care. (By Isaac S. Villegas) Deep Breaths  May Your Love Overflow We are inundated daily with unvarnished cruelty. It’s as if this administration is racing to see how many death-dealing policies it can implement in the shortest time possible. I struggle to understand how any group of human beings can maintain this level of callousness. This administration is working to normalize the cruelty we see every day: displays of military force in urban areas meant to instill fear in hardworking immigrants; the dismantling of all efforts toward diversity, equity and inclusion; and the whitewashing of history. All of this is designed to discourage dissent and numb the heart. As people of faith, we have tools that can sustain and strengthen us in these troubling times. It is easy to let these necropolitics colonize our minds day after day, week after week. But thankfully, we have sacred texts that call us back to the Divine. The Apostle Paul offers a prayer of encouragement in his letter to the Philippians—one that helps us turn our gaze outward to those sharing this struggle. And this is my prayer: that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9–11 Love is what will rescue us from this mess. An overflowing love—heart to heart, breast to breast—can conquer this evil. Our prayers must include hope for a love that overflows and guides our decisions, so we can partner with God to bring about the world God intends for all of creation. How love shows up will vary. It might be a random act of kindness, a moment of genuine eye contact with a stranger in an elevator. It could be a phone call or text to someone you’ve lost touch with. Love also appears when we take action to advocate for those under attack. Local advocacy can make a real difference. Small acts, repeated and multiplied, spread love. I decided to revisit this playlist because “Love’s In Need of Love Today”. May this be your soundtrack over the weekend. — Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Director of Racial Justice: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Mobilizing and Policy Assistant: Miriam Tellez Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842