WCC news: Living Planet Monitor debuts with insights on interconnectedness of people and planet

The World Council of Churches (WCC) launched the inaugural edition of the Living Planet Monitor (LPM) publication, marking a significant step in addressing the interconnection between land, water, food, and climate justice. WCC 03 December 2024 Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, introduced the publication, highlighting its potential to inspire dialogue and action on building just and sustainable communities. “Ensuring the right to land, water, and food is vital for communities to thrive,” he said. “The LPM represents a crucial tool in monitoring and responding to these challenges with faith-based solutions.” The publication, introduced during a webinar attended by global stakeholders, focuses on the land-water-food nexus in East and Southern Africa. It provides an intersectional analysis of governance, resilience, and the impacts of climate change. Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, emphasized the publication’s role: “The LPM fosters regional and global exchanges, urging leaders and communities to rethink their approach to resource management. This is not just a call to understand the nexus but to act upon it.” The event featured expert contributions, including Vladimir Chilinya from Zambia, who shared the challenges of balancing water and land resources amidst climate-induced stress, and Susan Smith from the USA, who advocated for regenerative farming practices and sustainable forestry. Their testimonies underscored the critical need for holistic governance and grassroots solutions. The Living Planet monitor publication is available online. Highlighting initiatives such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s forest conservation efforts and the Women Collective Kenya’s advocacy for climate justice, the LPM also reflects theological perspectives on environmental stewardship, aiming to inspire faith-based communities worldwide. “The Living Planet Monitor bridges stories, best practices, and analysis, connecting the dots for a sustainable future,” said Dinesh Suna, WCC programme executive for Land, Water, and Food, who is also the editor of Living Planet Monitor. Furthermore, he invited contributions to the future editions of LPM. The WCC invites all member churches and faith-based communities to explore the LPM, share its findings, and champion justice-oriented environmental action. Solene Jetzer, managing editor of the LPM, moderated the webinar. Access the Living Planet Monitor publication here. 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

WCC news: In Fiji, churches help people cope with rising sea levels

Rev. Dr Semisi Turagavou, president of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, attended the recent World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee meeting. He reflected on the unique needs in Fiji, as well as other Pacific islands, and spoke of the inspiration he drew from meeting with the WCC governing body. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 02 December 2024 Turagavou said that the consequences of the climate emergency are directly affecting many people in Fiji. “They are experiencing the impact of climate change in the Pacific countries,” he said. In Fiji, for example, the government is asking people to relocate due to rising sea levels. “Is it possible to move?” asked Turagavou. “Some are relocating but some refuse to move because in the place that they are living, and their ancestors are buried there.” Because the land was held by their forefathers, it’s part of their identity, he explained.  Another challenge for many Pacific islands is the lack of fresh water.  “It is a challenge to the government and also to the church, because of the rising sea level, the amount of fresh water is a challenge for them,” he said. “This is a risk especially to children.” Many Pacific islands need help, he urged. “They need assistance just because of running out of fresh water,” he said. In Fiji, some of the villages have relocated—and many people are members of the Methodist Church, the largest denomination in Fiji.  “The church is not sitting down and doing nothing,” said Turagavou. “The church is assisting government agencies in terms of relocation and also finding solutions.” Rev. Dr Semisi Turagavou, president of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, attended the recent World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee meeting. He believes the church should not only pray for what is happening in the country, it should assist the government in doing practical work to assist those who are in danger, especially, and those who are most vulnerable to climate change. “We have a department within the Methodist Church called the Social Services Department,” said Turagavou. “That department is working hard, cooperatively with the government.” He believes that, in 15 or 20 years, the smaller islands of Fiji will be submerged—and those inhabitants will be forced to relocate.  “The people from Fiji and the people in the Pacific need assistance in building sea walls,” he said. “People want to stay even though they are very close to the sea. The sea is coming, coming quickly.” Turagavou added that churches should be in the forefront of helping people cope with climate change. “We have 400 ordained pastors and 1,200 lay pastors within the Methodist Church, so I have asked them to be in the forefront, to be with the people on the ground,” he said. “We work with the people through the challenges they are facing, and I am hopeful we can continue to work with the government closely. I’m very optimistic.” Turagavou described spending nearly a week at the WCC executive committee meeting as a good opportunity.  “I had this opportunity to hear and to share, and also to listen to the voices of the representatives of the executive committee of the WCC,” he said. “It enriched my mind and also my heart, and it pushed me as a church leader to do something practical, especially in an ecumenical way.” WCC executive committee radiates hope amid world’s darkness (Press release, 28 November 2024) WCC work at the Triple COPs 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

GreenFaith - Faith is Our Superpower: Join Us in Climate Action

In the aftermath of the recent elections, many of us feel a heavy weight of despair and fear about the climate crisis. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of rising challenges. But at GreenFaith, we believe in the strength of our faiths to ignite hope and action.

Faith is our superpower. It inspires us to confront fear with courage, despair with determination, and inaction with transformative change. Across traditions, faith calls us to care for the Earth, seek justice, and protect the most vulnerable. This is the heart of our mission.

I’m based in North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene devastated communities where my friends and colleagues live. I see how the fossil fuel industry wants to build new projects and convince banks to pour trillions into their coffers. With your support, we are mobilizing faith communities to stand in solidarity with frontline communities, advocate for just policies, and build the climate solutions our world desperately needs. Together, we are proving that hope is not a passive feeling. It is a bold act of courageous defiance against apathy and greed.

Now more than ever, our partnership is essential. Every donation fuels this movement of faith-rooted climate action. Let’s transform fear into faith-filled action and show the world what’s possible.

Join us in turning hope into reality. Please, give generously now.

In faith and solidarity,

Rev. Amy Brooks
GreenFaith US Coordinator

MLP December Newsletter!

In This Issue *Staff Update: A note from Claudia and Jesy *Support our 25 for $25 Campaign! *25 Days of More Light! *A message from our ministry partners! *WE HAVE NEW MLP Merch! *Donate Today

Staff Update!

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

Are there any words of comfort for us all out there? Is there a prayer that can calm our hearts or a breathing exercise that can stop the incessant thinking? I doubt it. But this is not the time to give up. Not for us who have any bit of privilege. This is when we use everything we have to do the work. People’s lives are at stake. This is the time for boldness, for our love to be louder than fear, louder than hatred, louder than policies. This means we may have to incur in acts of civil disobedience as we work around unjust laws for the sake of our siblings. But this is not new. It is in our DNA. The Early Church was persecuted because it threatened everything the Empire stood for. It is time we reclaim that history. That we reclaim the Child of the one who said: “[God] has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.” I pray that those who support MLP - individuals and congregations - continue to do so: with boldness, with hope, with confidence in the fact that the last word is God’s. Below you can find ways to support our work.

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

Claudia is right, it's hard to find words of comfort or healing in these moments. At present my wife and I are looking for legal council that won't break the bank so that we can complete our second-parent adoption needs. The more we get into the process, the more we resent that it is needed. My name is on the birth certificates, my kids have my last name, they have all of my best (and worst) traits, and they have a tendency to make many of my same expressions and sounds. They are my kids, and that anyone would question the validity of that is outrageous. And this is where we are, and this is what may come, and we are going to meet the moment and keep fighting. We're going to operate from a Spirit of justice and hope, and allow Christ's love to shine through. The work and mission of More Light Presbyterians is as relevant today as it was 25 50 years ago. We hope you'll join us.

We are still celebrating our 25th anniversary and you can help us celebrate by inviting 25 of your friends (or 25 people in your congregation) to donate $25.   You can share this QR code or direct them to: https://sites.google.com/mlp.org/tempsite/giving

Celebrate Advent with us and download your MLP 25 Days of More Light Calendar

Use this calendar as a way to support your LGBTQIA+ siblings as we patiently await the coming of Christ's birth. Read, listen, watch, write, and enjoy! Follow along with us on social media and share each call to action or activity!   Download the Full Advent Calendar!

kin·dom camp is an opportunity for LBGTQIA+ youth ages 12-17 to feel safe and free to show up as their full selves. Campers have the chance to experience all the fun that camp has to offer in a week filled with affirmation, community, and celebration. This camp is affirming – full stop. It affirms all genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, and varieties of belief. The only thing we expect is a commitment to welcoming and celebrating everyone where they are, as they are. Our 2025 camp dates are June 15-20 in Illinois and July 20-25 in Nevada and Texas. Keep up with us @kindomcommunity on Facebook and Instagram for camp registration information and other news!

Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways: *In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.  *Do you have Pride pictures? Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org  *We are trying to collect a list of all of our former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board or do you know someone who has served on our board? Send us an email or fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon. *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work.

GET YOUR MLP MERCH!

Give the gift of More Light merch this Christmas! Visit the MLP shop today!

Your gift helps to advance More Light Presbyterians center and celebrate the lives, gifts and leadership of LGBTQIA+ people in the PC(USA) and beyond! Click the link to donate today! Donate Today!

Our Contact Information More Light Presbyterians P.O. Box 735764 Chicago, IL 60673 (720) 288-0838 http://www.mlp.org