WCC News: WCC publishes resource on legal tools for climate justice

The newly published resource "Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable" provides churches and communities essential legal tools designed to hold financial actors accountable for their role in perpetuating the climate crisis. Resource "Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable" introduces communities to climate litigation, a rapidly growing and impactful way of addressing the climate crisis and protect the rights of young people and future generations. 24 March 2025 Developed by the Churches’ Commitments to Children programme of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the resource aims to equip people of faith and partners in WCC’s global constituency with the knowledge on climate litigation, a rapidly growing and impactful way of addressing the climate crisis and protect the rights of young people and future generations. In the foreword of the publication, Archbishop Julio Murray, moderator of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, points out that our faith calls us to speak truth to power and to seize every available legal measure to protect our planet and its inhabitants.  “The urgency of this moment demands that we engage with the law not merely as a tool but as a moral imperative to safeguard human lives and uphold justice,” says Murray. “It is our hope that these resources will empower individuals and communities to advocate for justice effectively, ensuring that future generations inherit a world that is not only livable but thriving.” “Holding financial institutions accountable proves to be one of the most powerful levers to accelerate climate solutions,” says Frederique Seidel, WCC senior programme lead for Children and Climate. “Strategies offered in this resource are an answer to the pleas of the scientific community and young people to tackle root causes of harm to creation, and protect our future generation’s right to life.” WCC has engaged two highly regarded experts to advise on its ongoing work relating to climate law. Harj Narulla is a leading barrister specialising in climate litigation at Doughty Street Chambers and Nicholas Young is a lawyer and DPhil candidate in law researching climate litigation at the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme.  Designing the visual message of the resource, WCC has collaborated with Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Joel Pett. WCC member churches and partners are warmly encouraged to join the online training on the tools for climate litigation, planned in the coming months. The first of the training sessions will take place on 15 April at 2 pm CET, and will be followed by other sessions accommodating participants from different time zones. Churches and partners who would like to join this project are invited to send a note to churchesforchildren@wcc-coe.org.  Publication "Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable" Training empowers churches for legal action to accelerate climate solutions (WCC News release, 11 February 2025) When can legal action be a climate justice tool? WCC project will provide answers (WCC news release, 12 September 2024) Learn more about Churches’ Commitments to Children and Climate-Responsible Banking 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 352 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

Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 4: Is the “Water Futures Market” the Future of Water?

The fourth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is jointly written by  Dinesh Suna and Prof. Susan  Smith. They reflect on the pressing issues surrounding water in the context of climate change,  especially the disastrous  recent wildfires in California. Ironically, in 2020 California had  introduced the water in the “futures market” as a tradable commodity like oil and gold.  They underscore, the importance of prioritizing water as a common good, and the ethical challenges surrounding water privatization. An orange cloud of smoke rises from a forest fire near Barillas, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Photo credit: Sean Hawkey 24 March 2025 by Dinesh Suna & Susan Smith* Text:  Isaiah 41:17 "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongues are parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them." Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it"  Reflection: The relationship between water scarcity and wildfires cannot be overstated. In 2023 as well as in January this year, California experienced unprecedented wildfires, an omen of the worsening conditions brought about by climate change. As warmer temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns prevail, the demand for water becomes increasingly urgent. With limited access to clean water, communities around the world find themselves trapped in a cycle of vulnerability. Isaiah  reminds us that, when the poor suffer water scarcity, Lord God will answer them and quench their thirst. This promise of God, serves as a reminder of God’s provision of the gift of water and our call as people of God to ensure that all people have access to this life-giving resource! The Water Futures Market In December 2020, the introduction of water futures trading in California marked a controversial shift, where water was enlisted alongside commodities like oil and gold. Proponents argue it helps manage risks and promote efficient water usage. However, this commoditization raises ethical concerns, particularly as climate change intensifies droughts and wildfires, turning water access into a dire issue of life and death. The very State that introduced “water futures market” faced disastrous wildfires that devastated lives of thousands of people and destroyed properties worth billions of dollars.  This financial approach treats water as a profit-driven resource rather than a fundamental human right. The California water futures determine access to water by market dynamics. However economically efficient this might be, it further exacerbates the  inequalities of income and wealth, leading to systemic injustice. This is wholly inconsistent with the biblical principle of stewardship, wherein we are called to care for God's creation and prioritize the needs of the vulnerable. Water justice demands equitable access to water for all,  contrary to all privatization schemes, which inevitably prioritize profit over people. "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1). As stewards of God’s creation, we must advocate against monopolizing water resources and affirm the dignity of every individual. Access to clean, safe water should not be contingent upon one’s ability to pay or be subject to market speculation; it is a basic human right. World Water Day and the Climate Connection Last week, on March 22, we celebrated the World Water Day. This year highlighting the theme of " Glacier Preservation", thereby underlining importance of climate change and its impact on water resources.   As we observe this day, let us reflect on the urgent need for collective action in addressing this issue.  The ongoing challenges of droughts and wildfires are a direct call to acknowledge our role in protecting the environment. We are reminded of the interconnectedness of these issues; as we pursue policies that prioritize water equity, we simultaneously combat the broader impacts of climate change. Conclusion In closing, we are reminded that our faith calls us to advocate for water justice and to act with integrity concerning the stewardship of water resources. The discourse on the water futures market presents a vital opportunity for reflection and action. May we strive to ensure that access to water is recognized as an inherent right, one that must be protected from commodification. As we work towards these goals, let us seek divine guidance and strength, embodying the principles of love, justice, and stewardship in our efforts to foster a world where everyone has access to life’s most essential resource. Let us commit to a vision of water justice that honours the sacredness of this life-giving resource and embraces our collective duty to nurture and protect the common good. Reflection Questions: How can our community actively promote water justice in light of the challenges presented by climate change? In what ways can we educate ourselves and others about the ethical implications of treating water as a commodity? How can we engage in discussions and actions that prioritize the human right to water over profit motives? Action: Advocate for implementation of water as a human right. Say “No” to privatisation of water and prioritise water for life over water for profit! Educate yourself and others about the impacts of climate change on water resources. As we engage in this study, let us pray for wisdom, courage, and a renewed commitment to uphold the ethical principles of water stewardship in all our actions and decisions. Resources:  The United Nations World Water Development Report 2025, Mountains and glaciers: water towers; facts and figures - UNESCO Digital Library https://oikoumene.org/resources/bible-studies/seven-weeks-for-water-2021-week-5-water-on-wall-street-the-ultimate-abuse-of-gods-gift-by-susan-smith-and-dinesh-suna https://www.unwater.org/our-work/world-water-day Dinesh Suna, a Lutheran Christian from India, coordinates the WCC Ecumenical Water Network as well as WCC’s Land, Water & Food Advocacy from Geneva.  Susan Smith is Professor (emeritus) of Law and Director of the Certificate Program in Sustainability at the Willamette University, USA. She represents the United Church of Christ as a Commissioner at the WCC’s Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development (CCJSD). 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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

WCC News: WCC delivers statement at UN Human Rights Council on Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan

The World Council of Churches (WCC) delivered a statement on the human rights situation of Armenian hostages at the 58th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council.  The WCC statement on the human rights situation of Armenian hostages was delivered by Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, programme executive of WCC Ecumenical Theological Education.  Photo: UN WebTV screenshot 21 March 2025 The statement was delivered by Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, programme executive of WCC Ecumenical Theological Education.  “The World Council of Churches expresses deep concern over the continued unlawful detention of Armenian individuals by Azerbaijan,” reads the statement. "The taking and holding of hostages violate fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, and constitute a serious breach of human rights.” The statement notes that, from November 2020 – the date of the “end” of the war — to October 2023, Azerbaijan illegally captured at least 23 Armenians, including civilians, former and current officials, and military personnel. “Many of them have been subjected to torture and degrading treatment, as documented by human rights organizations,” reads the WCC statement.  “We reaffirm that all persons illegally detained must be immediately and unconditionally released,” reads the text. “The prolonged detention of individuals in violation of due process and legal protections undermines efforts for sustainable peace and reconciliation in the region.” The statement calls on the Human Rights Council to take all available measures to ensure the release of these hostages, and on all parties to fulfil their legal obligations under international law to protect human dignity and ensure justice. “The World Council of Churches continues to stand in solidarity with the Armenian Church and people and all those affected by this situation, and reaffirms its commitment to justice and peace,” concludes the statement. Read the full WCC statement at the UN HRC58 Video of the statement (UN WebTV) 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 352 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: EPA plans to roll back pollution limits are 'morally depraved,' 'evil,' say faith groups

 

EPA plans to roll back pollution limits are 'morally depraved,' 'evil,' say faith groups Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change March 21, 2025   A man rides a bike with his dog in a backpack as the Palisades fire burns during a weather-driven windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles Jan. 7. Fueled by the wind, wildfires tore across the Los Angeles area with devastating force Jan. 8. (OSV News/Reuters/Ringo Chiu) In a statement March 12, Lee Zeldin, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, referred to a desire to protect the environment as "the climate change religion," and indicated he would like to kill it.  "Today is the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion to drive down cost of living for American families, unleash American energy, bring auto jobs back to the U.S. and more," he said in a statement. The comment undermines science and mocks religion, said faith groups, calling it offensive, nonsensical and ignorant. Furthermore, faith leaders called the sweeping deregulatory plans for air and water pollution "morally depraved" and "evil," because if enacted, they will allow more toxins into our air and water. The variety of pollutants targeted under the EPA rules Zeldin seeks to roll back are known to threaten public health, especially for populations that are already vulnerable. "The reality is: many additional lives will be lost to increased soot pollution and other toxins," said Archbishop John Wester of Albuquerque, New Mexico, whose archdiocese includes Bernalillo County, which received an "F" grade for soot and smog pollution in the latest "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association. Leaders from Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish and other faith groups agreed that the threat to life posed by the potential rollback of environmental regulations is alarming, and requires faith leaders and communities to speak out. Read more: Faith groups blast 'evil' EPA rollback plans, 'climate change religion' comment An NCR editorial published Wednesday addressed the Trump administration's deregulation plans at EPA, saying, "President Donald Trump's promotion of fossil fuels and his dismantling of essential environmental safeguards represent perhaps the gravest and most consequential failure of his time in office." "Trump has called himself the most 'pro-life president ever,' yet the administration's environmental agenda embodies a profound moral failure — a choice fundamentally opposed to life itself," NCR said. "Trump's legacy is the intentional sacrifice of today's marginalized communities and future generations for temporary economic gain." Read more: Editorial: We must oppose Trump's immoral environmental agenda     What else is new on EarthBeat:   Laudato Si' inspires multimedia art exhibit at Jesuit Fairfield University by Chris Herlinger Artists Athena LaTocha, Mary Mattingly and Tyler Rai come from different religious and cultural backgrounds and bring differing approaches to the exhibit "To See This Place: Awakening to Our Common Home."     Priests, nuns join protest to Indonesia's geothermal project by UCA News Reporter Catholic priests and nuns joined hundreds of activists demanding to stop a geothermal project on the predominantly Catholic Flores island in Indonesia, saying the project violates villagers' land rights and damages the environment.   Lenten food 'doesn't mean boring,' says Catholic chef by Gina Christian, OSV News Discipline and deliciousness aren't necessarily mutually exclusive, said certified executive chef Jim Churches, president of the American Culinary Federation's Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association and a member of St. Patrick Parish in Brighton, Michigan.     NCR recipes for Lent: Cacio e pepe by John Grosso NCR digital editor John Grosso shares a favorite meatless meal for Lent: cacio e pepe, one of the "four horsemen" of Roman pasta. Three ingredients and 30 minutes make for a unique, delicious challenge.   What's happening in other climate news: Greenpeace must pay at least $660m over Dakota pipeline protests, says jury —Rachel Leingang and Nina Lakhani for The Guardian Trump administration aims to eliminate E.P.A.'s scientific research arm —Lisa Friedman for The New York Times The end of the EPA's fight to protect overpolluted communities —Lylla Younes for Grist There is nothing RFK Jr. can do at the Department of Health to make up for what's happening at the EPA. —Emily Atkin for HEATED Interior to open millions of acres in Alaska to drilling and mining —Jake Spring for the Washington Post What does Tesla's slide mean for the US electric vehicle market? —Dan Gearino for Inside Climate News Farmers feeling the pain after conservation funding frozen —Juliet Grable reports for Sierra magazine Trekking the blue ice of Perito Moreno in Argentina as world marks inaugural World Glacier Day —Sara España for the Associated Press   Final Beat: This week, I had the delight of speaking with undergraduate students in a class about Catholic social teaching at Loyola University Chicago. We discussed Laudato Si' and integral ecology, dominion vs. stewardship when it comes to caring for the Earth, what Catholics are called to do in the face of climate change, and the various relationships among God, humans and the rest of the created world. One age-old question they asked me regarding the interconnectedness and goodness of all things created by God was, "Do dogs go to heaven?" In short, I told them the official church line on this is no, they don't. But I don't think it's wrong to say that which comes from God, returns to God. It's a query that hits particularly close to home, since our golden retriever Finnegan suddenly died last fall and I've had to explain to my young children over and over again where Finn is now and if he's happy. (There are a few books that have been helpful, if you need a recommendation, let me know!) My boys are ages 6, 4 and 2, so they aren't looking for a lesson in eschatology. They miss their dog and want to know if he's okay. So when they ask "Where's Finn?" I simply say, "He's with God." And I think that's an answer in which we can all take comfort. While it might not be the official response of the church, Catholic sister and theologian Elizabeth Johnson says it's an idea that comes straight from Scripture. Read more in NCR senior correspondent Heidi Schlumpf's 2024 story: Saving the Earth requires new images of God, says feminist theologian Elizabeth Johnson 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