WCC NEWS: Faith communities release "Talanoa statement” calling for phasing out fossil fuels

Faith communities have delivered a statement to COP28, expressing their alarm over the over the accelerating climate emergency, and calling for phasing out fossil fuels.  The Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue Call to COP28 was handed to the COP28 presidency, specifically through Ahmed Al Ghardaqa, Lead of the COP28 Interfaith Initiative, who received it on behalf of the presidency team. Photo: WCC 11 December 2023 The statement was delivered by Rev. Tamsyn Kereopa of Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia on behalf of faith communities who gathered during the opening of COP28 for an interfaith dialogue in the spirit of talanoa—a holistic, life-affirming dialogue practice from the Pacific. “The world’s faith communities are alarmed over the accelerating climate emergency that poses an existential threat to life,” reads the statement. “In our diversity of traditions, we share a common calling to heed the cries of the vulnerable, coming generations, and Mother Earth.” The statement notes that human economic activity is behind the climate crisis.  “Humanity holds the future in her hands,” reads the statement. “May we act accordingly, in line with science, responsibly, and with urgency.” Fossil fuels must be phased out now, the statement urges. “A just transition must be pursued such that no community and no worker is left behind,” the statement reads. “There is absolutely no room for new extraction of fossil fuels.” The faith-based groups urge nations to rise above business and national interests, differences, and conflicts, and commit to a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. “While we welcome the decision at COP28 to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, we are disappointed by  the pledges which are a pittance,” reads the text. “We underline that rich and industrialized nations have a moral responsibility to pay for mitigation and adaptation.” The drastic mitigation of emissions cannot be put on hold, the statement urges, and the experiences of Indigenous people and women must be taken into account. “We cannot and must not sell away our children’s future for financial gain and in the name of development,” reads the message. “There is no time to lose: it is our moral obligation to act now and with greater aspiration to protect the gift of life on Earth.” Read the full statement WCC special page on COP28 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 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland