WCC News: Standing up for children in war means tackling root causes

During the capstone event for the Stand Up for Children in War campaign on 24 September, children and religious leaders drew together to demand from the world: stop fighting and start healing. 23 May 2022, Taganrog, Russia: A woman lays her hand on a young boy's shoulder at the Romashka sports and recreation complex in Zolotaya Kosa, southwest Russia near the border to Ukraine. Romashka hosts several hundred refugees from the Donbas region in Ukraine, most of them children from orphanages in the Donbas region of Ukraine, evacuated as military tensions grew and Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 26 September 2025 Hironari Miyamoto, chairperson of Myochikai, a Japanese lay Buddhist organization, and a member of Arigatou International's Board of Directors, opened the session by calling for faith leaders to raise their moral voices. “Let us remember, each of us, wherever we are, can make a difference—every act of compassion, every word of healing and solidarity, every effort to protect human dignity,” he said. Children’s voices—as they have been featured throughout the campaign—were again emphasized during the online gathering.  Ananya, from Nepal, described how she vividly remembers the fear she felt when an earthquake struck her community. “I still am reminded of that,” she said. “It was a bad experience and I can’t even imagine how children in war must feel. We need to prioritize children and we all deserve a better, peaceful society." Chinmayan, from India, said that there are numerous wars taking place even as he speaks. “Every single day, these children wake up to the sounds of silence instead of school days,” he said. “They hold trauma, not toys.” And these children didn’t start the war, Chinmayan noted. “But they still pay the highest price,” he said. “Those who sit at the table of power, every single government, every single decision maker—we demand peace,” he said. “And if you truly care about the future—we are the future.” Childhood is joy, not survival, he concluded. “Let us stop fighting and start healing,” he said. Philip D. Jaffe, from the Committee on the Rights of the Child, reflected that the most insidious damage from wars on children is not physical or psychological—it’s that the children can no longer trust adults.  “They watch cruelty televised and excused, and they wonder: if this is how the world works, why should we care more than adults?” he said. “I am trying to share a warning, not a lamentation.” Source: Forchildreninwar.org Many speakers offered brief reflections about children in terrible situations and how faith-based groups are helping.  Frederique Jean-Baptiste, head of Education, Child Protection, and Youth for Catholic Relief Services, spoke about children in Haiti. “We can see how children are often the first affected by humanitarian crises,” she said. “Here in Haiti as well we see the same thing.” She shared that armed groups are increasingly recruiting minors in Haiti, where more than 1.3 million people are internally displaced. "Over half of those displaced folks are children,” she said.  Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Defence for Children International Palestine Accountability program director, reflected that for children in Palestine, their right to life has been violated for well over a decade. “Tens of thousands of Palestinian children have been injured and they have permanent disabilities,” he said. “They are suffering from the lack of food, water, shelter, houses.”  At the close of the event, Frederique Seidel, WCC senior programme lead for Children and Climate, read part to the call to action from the campaign.  The message reiterates the call, among other actions, to respect and protect education and healthcare facilities, and refrain from their use for military purposes.  The call also urges the world’s leaders and all people to “address the diverse root causes of violent conflict, including but not limited to those linked to resource scarcity, displacement, global warming, and sociopolitical or economic factors.” Seidel, who has been organizing training and resources to that show climate justice is a moral imperative for churches, said: “I would like to personally underline the urgency of tackling root causes. Let us work together in implementing this important statement.” Dr Kezevino Aram, president of Shanti Ashram, an international institution founded in 1986 on Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Sarvodaya (progress for all), offered closing remarks.  “Today, as we all gather here for this campaign to which we have lent our voice, to which we have lent our cooperation, may we remember that conscience that will hold us accountable for what we can live up to,” she said. “This is a moment to rededicate ourselves to the theme of the International day of Peace 2025: Action Now.” The Stand Up for Children in War campaigns will be a reminder of what we can do—but also a source of solace and strength, added Aram. "We have to do it for our children,” she said. “May this campaign be a reminder of the power of the collective and the power that comes from doing something—but also thinking together and praying together for a peaceful world.” In standing up for children’s rights, WCC urges “our task is not only to protect children but to sustain the future” (WCC news release, 24 September 2025) Joint Statement – Stand Up For Children In War Learn more about the Stand Up for Children in War initiative 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 356 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: Faith community voices for protecting our home, health

Faith community voices for protecting our home, health EarthBeat Weekly Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change September 26, 2025 Representatives of Catholic and other faith organizations delivered boxes of public comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Sept. 17 in Washington, D.C. (FranciscanAction Network/Robert Christian) Many people of faith oppose the Trump administration's plans to deregulate environmental protections, including its attempt to revoke the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 "endangerment finding."  In the "endangerment finding," EPA determined through scientific review that greenhouse gas emissions pose a danger to public health and welfare. Greenhouse gas emissions, released primarily from burning coal, oil and gas, are also the leading contributor to climate change. They trap heat in the atmosphere and raise the temperature of the Earth. Here's what some faith leaders had to say on the matter, in comments filed ahead of the Monday (Sept. 22) deadline for public comments on EPA's proposed reversal: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops "Our concerns with the Reconsideration are founded on the Catholic Church's commitment to environmental justice and care for creation, as it is an integral component of Catholic faith." Archbishop Thomas Zinkula of Dubuque, Iowa "Strong [pollution] standards save lives. … They prevent billions of tons of climate pollution, reduce smog and soot, and mean fewer cases of asthma and premature death. Families save thousands of dollars on fuel and healthcare costs. These protections are good for people and good for God's creation." Rabbi Jennie Rosenn, Dayenu founder and CEO "Repealing the [Endangerment] Finding is like tossing out the Ten Commandments." Black church leaders "The cost of this decision by the EPA will be paid for in human lives — and Black bodies will bear the brunt of the burden." Read more: Thousands of Catholics oppose Trump plan to erase scientific basis for climate regulations     What else is new on EarthBeat:   Maryknoll webinar on Brazil's climate summit calls for church's voice at COP30 by Marietha Góngora V., OSV News With the 30th U.N. Climate Change Conference, or COP30, set for November in Belém, Brazil, Catholic leaders are raising their voices ahead of the global climate summit.   Philippine clergy support massive anti-corruption protests in Manila by Simone Orendain, OSV News Clergy and religious along with lay Catholic faithful came out in droves at an anti-corruption rally in the Philippines capital of Manila Sept. 21 that drew tens of thousands of protesters.   GSR Africa correspondent wins Covering Climate Now journalism honor by GSR Staff Doreen Ajiambo, Global Sisters Report's Africa regional correspondent, has been honored for her reporting during last year's United Nations climate summit, or COP29.   What's happening in other climate news: In front of drowning nations, Trump calls climate change a 'con job.' Here are the facts and context —Melina Walling and Seth Borenstein for the Associated Press Hard-fought treaty to protect ocean life clears a final hurdle —Max Bearak for The New York Times Can the latest youth climate case win where others have failed? —Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan for Inside Climate News In a single email, the EPA ended her research into how climate change endangers children —Jessica Kutz for The 19th* 'I worry about the future of my daughter': the 'silent majority' who care about the climate crisis —Danielle Renwick for the Guardian   Final Beat: In my very first EarthBeat Weekly newsletter message, I wrote about how Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si' is not just about the environment, but also about how we relate to each other, to non-human creation and to God; what happens when those relationships rupture; and what is possible when we get those relationships right. Our call to care for creation, I said at the time, has just as much to do with connection and community as it does with decreasing our carbon footprint. I think that's even truer today than it was a few years ago. It is with mixed emotions that I share today is my last day as NCR environment editor. This has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding work — in no small part due to connecting with all of you. While I'm sad to leave the EarthBeat team, I look forward to contributing in new and different ways to conversations on integral ecology, environmental justice and care for our common home. It has been a great privilege to share this space with you the past few years. Thank you for welcoming me into the EarthBeat community and for supporting NCR's coverage at the intersection of faith, climate and environmental justice. This newsletter will be paused next week as NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe travels to Italy to attend the Raising Hope Conference for the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si'. Be sure to check ncronline.org/earthbeat for coverage of that event and more. And as always, 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

Truth and Action Roundup 9.26.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, your reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and opportunities for action during the second Trump administration.  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. This week has seen the Trump Administration suffer a setback in its attempt to silence its critics with Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television on ABC. Although companies like Sinclair and Nexstar still refuse to air his program, the outcry from artists who have declared their refusal to work with Disney, along with protests organized by labor unions, petitions from people across the country, and public defense of free speech by leaders throughout civic society, plus the cancellation of subscriptions and visits to parks, all contributed to ABC reversing their initial decision to yield to pressure from the Administration.    While this high-profile targeting managed to rally widespread support for values and institutions, it is our responsibility to defend them for everyone. A unified and shared response is essential as we defend everyone under threat, especially as more vulnerable targets are unjustly fired, overtly targeted, and threatened for exercising their rights.    This means we must be clear-eyed about what we’re seeing from the Administration. If we want to defend our institutions successfully, we must protect everyone with the same vigor and passion we’ve shown for high-profile figures like Jimmy Kimmel.    As Christians, we must passionately raise our voices for the students, professors, writers, and journalists who have been targeted simply for speaking out. Moreover, we must be honest–many of those targeted have been persecuted simply because they hold an identity that is considered antithetical to Christian nationalism.     One must consider the firing of former Washington Post writer Karen Attiah for her social media posts that both condemned political violence and expressed her disagreement with his views. Attiah was the last full-time Black opinion writer on staff at the Washington Post. She is fighting back from her firing, and it is our sincere hope that she receives the same support we’ve seen in holding ABC accountable. If we are to build a broad front against authoritarianism, then we must support everyone. That means we cannot break away and conveniently abandon our neighbors, regardless of who they are. In the News The potential for a government shutdown at the end of the month appeared to increase:  Donald Trump canceled a meeting with congressional Democrats meant to reach a spending agreement, claiming it could not “possibly be productive” and blaming Democratic demands for any shutdown.   Trump will have broad leeway to make spending decisions during a government shutdown, such as deciding which agencies and offices to keep open until a funding agreement is reached.   As Israel continued its assault on Gaza City, it faced increasing international pushback:  Israeli forces advanced deep into Gaza City, striking hundreds of targets and killing dozens, including 11 people from 2 families in a residential building, according to local health authorities.   Countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia, recognized a Palestinian state at the United Nations, bringing the total number of nations that have done so to 160.   Microsoft terminated the Israeli military’s access to technology it was using for mass surveillance of Palestinians.   An Italian workers’ strike in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza brought thousands into the streets and caused disruptions across the country on Monday.   Trump’s deportation regime continued its cruelty:  Democracy Now! and the Miami Herald reported that about two-thirds of detainees held at the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration jail in July have disappeared from ICE’s online database, leaving families unable to locate them.   At least two flights that deported people to Africa this month used military cargo jets with their transponders turned off, making them nearly impossible to track.    We saw new and continued signs of authoritarian overreach throughout society:  The Trump administration continues to target educational institutions, with the Department of Health and Human Services recently accusing Harvard University of civil rights violations.  People across multiple sectors of society have lost their jobs or faced other professional consequences for comments they made about Charlie Kirk’s assassination.    Trump labeled the antifa movement a “domestic terrorist organization,” despite the fact that no such designation exists in U.S. law and despite the antifascist movement having no hierarchical organizational structure. Take Action We’re running campaigns advocating for DC Statehood and calling for a boycott of Chevron due to their ongoing work in Israel.  The USDA intends to end its hunger report in the United States. The Food and Research Action Center is calling on Congress to intervene. You can click here to email your congressperson.   African Communities Together has released a series of short animated “Know Your Rights” videos translated into various languages, which may be helpful here.  What We’re Reading "Jimmy Kimmel in the Lion’s Den” | Disrupt the narrative of fear and, pretty soon, you’ve written a whole new story. (By Tyler Huckabee)    “Ministering to —and learning from—those with dementia” | The more people know about Alzheimer’s disease, the more they know that they have one, two, maybe 10 people in their congregation who have Alzheimer’s disease. (By Jenna Barnett)  Deep Breaths  This week’s reflection was written by our Policy and Action Fellow, Trinity Williams. We are grateful for her unique voice to guide us in this moment. –Rev. Moya Harris  During my time as a student organizer, I often saw myself as someone who encouraged others to prioritize their self-care. I’d ask daily: “Have you eaten?”, “How much did you sleep?”, “Are you keeping up with your assignments?” – all while going to bed past midnight most nights, missing meals throughout the day, and overwhelming myself with responsibilities related to my academics. How did this happen? I clearly understood the importance of self-care enough to hold others accountable, but why not myself?    One day, I finished facilitating an event and was talking with a fellow organizer while I cleaned up the meeting space. After sharing how unbearably overwhelmed I felt, she said something to me that I will never forget. She shared a metaphor comparing movement work to a harmonious choir. Like any choir, no voice can sustain itself completely on its own; throughout the song, each member must catch their breath. However, these gaps created by breathing are never heard by the masses, because all the voices continue even as individuals pause.     To me, the most important aspect of this metaphor is the symbiotic relationship between community and self-care. In moments of persisting and resisting through the constant stream of unprecedented events, it’s essential to find moments to breathe. Remember that the communities you’ve built or find yourself in will cover you.    What strikes me most about this metaphor is the concept of breathing. Breathing is self-sustaining. It revitalizes you. The breath tells your body that you are still alive. I learned quickly that when overwhelmed, we often feel as though we are running out of breath. Therefore, we should never feel guilty for taking small moments to center ourselves, take deep breaths, and remind ourselves that we are alive.    No matter where you may fall within the Social Change Ecosystem, may this metaphor be a constant reminder that you gain nothing from working yourself beyond a functioning capacity. I pray we all take our moments to breathe among the divine chorus we harmonize within. I pray against the concept of hyper-individualism that may paralyze us. We are meant to rely on others just as we rely on forces beyond ourselves.     Trinity Williams, Policy and Action Assistant, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Policy and Action Assistant: Trinity Williams Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims Donate Subscribe Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842