WCC NEWS: WCC endorses Green Investment Declaration

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay endorsed the “Green Investment Declaration,” which calls on churches and other faith institutions worldwide to significantly increase their investments in climate solutions in order to help build a greener, more just future.  Climate activists greet people arriving at the United Methodist General Conference in Portland as the gathering considers a wide variety of policy proposals related to the environment, among them - a move to divest the denomination's pension funds from companies profiting from fossil fuels (Portland, OR, May 2016). Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 22 December 2025 “The WCC strongly encourages churches to become signatories to the declaration as a tangible expression of their commitment to addressing the climate emergency,” said Pillay. “The impacts of climate change are already being felt across the globe, with more frequent and severe natural disasters, widespread displacement, food insecurity, and prolonged droughts.” Pillay noted that scientists have warned that, once critical climate tipping points are crossed, the resulting damage to economies and societies will be irreversible and catastrophic. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has made clear that to limit global heating to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and to avoid the worst consequences of the climate emergency, global greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030,” said Pillay. “As documented in the Save Children's Lives - Responsible Banking Survival Guide, money carries moral weight.” Money can be used either to perpetuate harm or to advance healing and hope, added Pillay. “Churches and Christians therefore have both the opportunity and the responsibility to deploy their financial resources and influence in ways that accelerate the transition to a sustainable, fossil-fuel-free economy,” he concluded. “Investing in climate solutions is a powerful act of faith and witness in this decisive moment.” WCC Letter of Endorsement for the Green Investment Declaration Green Investment Declaration Save Children's Lives - Responsible Banking Survival Guide Learn more about Churches’ Commitments to Children and Climate-Responsible Banking 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