WCC news: WCC general secretary: “At COP 28 we have to speak up for justice”

In a sermon during an ecumenical service at COP28, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay set the tone for faith-based involvement: churches must speak and act for climate justice. World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay preaches as an ecumenical prayer service on the theme of 'Season of Creation' is held in the (Anglican) Christ Church Jebel Ali, drawing together faith leaders engaged in the United Nations climate summit COP28, held in the city of Dubai. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert 3 December 2023 "There are many crying out to be heard, to be considered, to be cared for and loved,” said Pillay. “Yet we continue with business as usual.” Today, creation is groaning and suffering, said Pillay. “The signs are clear and science tells us the same,” he said. "Humanity is facing a huge change in the climatic system that will affect all human life on planet Earth.” Food, water, and livelihoods are endangered by a warmer climate, Pillay said. “Migration will increase and as a result there will be more social insecurity and violent conflicts might escalate due to scarcity of water and land,” he said. “While some of us may perceive climate crisis to be important for us to focus on as Christians, yet many others do not.” Christians are called to care for the earth because it belongs to God, Pillay urged. “Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to work for the good of the earth and the glory of God,” he said. “There will be no justice when the ecosystems no longer can deliver what we all depend on for our life.” People of faith are called to act and to act now, Pillay said. “The interest to profit from fossil fuels is bigger than the interest of justice and especially intergenerational justice,” he said. “COP28 is pivotal for the future of the living planet, our common home, and for our children and future generations.” The science is crystal clear, said Pillay. “Governments have to act now on phasing out fossil fuels which account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. “We must support young people in their efforts to protect their future and to ensure a sustainable living planet.” Watch the recording of the sermon WCC special page on COP28 At COP28, WCC general secretary hopes for “less talk and more walk” (WCC interview, 1 December 2023) Interfaith talanoa dialogue brings “ethical, moral, and spiritual voice” to COP28 (WCC news release, 30 November 2023) As COP28 begins, faith communities stand ready to push for climate justice (WCC news release, 30 November 2023) WCC executive committee statement on COP28's responsibility for climate justice "Confluence of Conscience: Uniting for Planetary Resurgence" - Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for 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