WCC NEWS: Churches take to the streets: WCC joins massive climate justice march in Brazil

Thousands of people from around the world walked through the streets of Belém, Brazil on 15 November. They were reclaiming public space to demand real action at COP30, the UN climate conference. World Council of Churches (WCC) delegates joined the Faith Bloc - a dedicated section of the march for religious communities – marching alongside bishops, faith activists, and youth representatives who called for climate justice, debt relief, and just transition.  WCC delegates highlighted the need for Debt justice as one of the the calls at COP30. Photo:Valter Hugo Muniz/WCC 17 November 2025 After three climate conferences hosted by major fossil fuel-producing states where authorities prohibited public demonstrations, the People's March brought participatory democracy back to climate negotiations. The 4.5-kilometre route drew movements and leaders on the fifth day of COP30 - the first UN climate conference in the Amazon region. "It's absolutely critical for churches to be where the climate-impacted communities are," said Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. "Churches have to be in the streets. Churches have to be with the people demanding climate justice, demanding debt justice." Marchers demanded a "COP of truth" and "implementation," prioritising an end to fossil fuel dependence. "I'm part of this beautiful People's March here in Belém, Brazil," said Bishop Andreas Holmberg of the Church of Sweden. "Walking here with thousands and thousands of other people, I can really feel the strength and people's movement demanding a change, real change. Climate justice, gender justice, and economic justice." Ruth Alesandra Choque from the Bolivian Evangelical Lutheran Church is at her first COP. "I am very happy to be here; you can feel that Latin vibe that defines us, and the fact that the COP is happening in Brazil, in the Amazon, is very meaningful for all of us. Bolivia also has part of the Amazon, and I think it is important that they can hear our voices... we are here to learn, we are here to fight for our rights as people, as human beings, and also as young Latin people." Holmberg noted the ecumenical presence in the streets. "I'm also among so many friends from different churches, which is a wonderful thing because churches are part of community. And together with others, we can change the world. And I can feel that today." The ecumenical delegations will continue their work during the second week of COP30 to ensure negotiations reach agreements that prioritise vulnerable groups most affected by climate change. COP30 People's march photo gallery Follow WCC's COP30 coverage at www.oikoumene.org/cop30 COP30 Photo Galleries Click here to join the WhatsApp channel with daily live update from Belém, Brazil Churches called to lead climate action as world leaders gather for COP30 (Feature Story, 6 November) Daily COP30 updates connect churches to climate negotiations (News Release, 5 November) 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