How would you explain to a young person the connection between Christian identity and the call to action for climate justice? Metropolitan Serafim: Our hope relies on the youth to succeed in what we have failed. At the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, one of the priorities was the climate change crisis. That’s why there was a resolution to establish the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. We need ecological metanoia—ecological repentance. Historically, much ecological harm has come from negative anthropogenic activities, many of which Christians were complicit in, particularly during colonial rule. We must confess these ecological sins and demonstrate repentance through justice and sharing, just as the first Christian communities did. The youth must lead us now, as we have destroyed much of the world. You have often spoken of ecological repentance. How does this reflect in Christian theology and practice? Metropolitan Serafim: Ecological repentance means turning away from harm and restoring justice. It is the realization that any abuse to any human being and to Nature is an abuse to God. Every human being is according to God's Image and likeness, and the whole of Nature and the whole Planet are God's holy Creation. That's why, when King David abused people and Nature with wars, he considered that he abused God, and he showed his ecological repentance by asking for forgiveness from God. Growing up in a large family, I learned to live simply and harmoniously with nature. This connection to creation shaped my understanding that we cannot survive without nature, though nature can survive without us. We must embrace the theology of sharing, as reflected in the Psalms, where Prophet David confessed his sins, showing that abusing nature is abusing God. What is the role of church leaders in influencing global climate action? Metropolitan Serafim: Church leaders must be the prophets of our time, as Jonah was for Nineveh. They must stand at the forefront, addressing political leaders with courage and conviction. At the WCC, we emphasize the importance of moving from resolutions to action. Theology must inspire real change. When leaders prioritize military spending over humanity’s needs, they harm the planet and the people. Faith leaders must advocate for these resources to be used to protect the earth and support the vulnerable. The WCC’s mission is to remind leaders that the planet is a gift from God and must be preserved for future generations. How can churches regain their influence in global discussions about climate justice? Metropolitan Serafim: In many communities, particularly in the global South, churches still hold moral authority. Church leaders must use their voices to engage with governments and media. They must inspire policymakers to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure that climate action addresses the needs of the most vulnerable. We must also demonstrate the theology of sharing in our actions. By living simply and sharing resources, churches can model the justice and love that the Gospel calls us to embody. What would you say for those struggling to find hope in the face of climate challenges? Metropolitan Serafim: Hope lies in repentance and change. As the Bible says, “God is love,” and those who love live in God. The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to act selflessly, caring for others as an expression of love for God. When we follow God, we follow the light. Without God, we walk in darkness, risking harm to ourselves, others, and the planet. Let us return to God, embracing ecological repentance as the path to justice, hope, and salvation. Learn more about WCC work at the Triple COPs here “We need to change strategies to get different results,” reflects Archbishop Rev. Julio Murray Thompson at COP29 (Interview, 22 November 2024) “Youth are leaders now, not just tomorrow,” says Patricia Mungcal at COP29 (Interview, 19 November 2024) “We must move forward, walking with Jesus,” says Argentinian pastor on climate justice (Interview, 15 November 2024) “We are called to protect Mother Earth,” says Aymara youth leader at COP29 (Interview, 13 November 2024) | 
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