WCC News: Litokne Kabua encourages churches to use the law for climate justice

Litokne Kabua recently completed an internship with the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the area of climate justice. He took time to reflect on what gives him hope, and what he would like to see churches accomplishing in this area.  Litokne Kabua (on the right), one of the 16 young people from around the world who filed a landmark complaint in 2019 to the the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child for its lack of action on climate change. Photo: Courtesy of Litokne Kabua 08 October 2025 You were one of the original 16 child plaintiffs in 2019 who filed a landmark complaint to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to protest the lack of government action on the climate crisis. What do you still hold in your heart from that experience?  Kabua: Looking back, what I still hold in my heart is hope. The petition itself was a life-changing experience that was able to ring the bells at least and enunciate our calls for climate justice. I say hope because I know there are still people out there, no matter what they are facing, who still want to right the wrongs and bring justice to those who deserve it. Also, I can add that there's still disappointment in how and what is being done regarding the climate crisis. With that said, the petition was dismissed, yet brought into consideration after the General Comment No. 26, which is where I find parts to be misunderstood and misled. Although it was a hard response of "you're on your own" from the committee, there's still a bright light ahead, and my hope is not just for me, but for my people and my country, our future generations.  As a member of the United Church of Christ in the Marshall Islands, how do you encourage other churches to use the law for climate justice? Kabua: I encourage churches to use the law for climate justice by knowing our rights. Climate change threatens our homes, health, and culture. Laws protect these rights, and churches can help their members understand and defend them. Also, seeing legal action as a ministry, standing up for justice, caring for creation, and protecting vulnerable people are a part of our faith. Utilizing the law is one way to embody these values. Most definitely, working together, churches have more power when they join with youth, nongovernmental organizations, and legal advocates. Together, we can push for policies and actions that protect our islands and our people.  What was the most meaningful work for you during your internship?  Kabua: The most meaningful work during this internship is writing my personal blog about work with our landmark petition and experiences within the climate crisis. It was published successfully, thanks to those who contributed to making that happen. Once again, my story is told and shared along with the works of the WCC, hoping that this will be able to move hearts and keep driving those seeking climate justice to keep on fighting, no matter what comes along.  What’s next for you?  Kabua: This is my last year in my undergraduate studies here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in economics with a minor in environmental studies. After my graduation, I will head back home to visit family and possibly work while being there. Unfortunately, I haven't been back since I came to the US to pursue my studies in the fall of 2022. Personally, I feel that my body is yearning for that warm weather and swimming in the beaches of my island home. So far, I'm planning to continue my educational career to graduate and possibly post-graduate studies later on. Not sure what exactly I will pursue, but in the future, I see myself in policymaking to help and give back to our island home.  We spoke up. Will you answer? (Blog post by Litokne Kabue, 14 August 2025) Learn more about the Climate-Responsible Banking  Churches’ Commitments to Children 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