WCC news: Pacific Conference of Churches voices support for legal measures protecting “sacred and eco-communal space”

The Pacific Conference of Churches issued a statement of support for Vanuatu’s proposed UN General Assembly Resolution to implement the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on climate change, human rights, and states’ responsibilities. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC  10 March 2026 “For decades, Pacific peoples and churches have made a moral appeal to the world: protect life, uphold dignity, and act justly toward those least responsible and most harmed,” notes the statement. “This is why the follow-up resolution matters: it is not symbolic.” The statement describes the resolution as a practical pathway to move the multilateral system from rhetoric to measurable implementation—from legal clarity to real-world action.  “The PCC respectfully urges all UN Member States to engage constructively in the informal consultations and to support adoption of a strong and ambitious resolution—including by voting in favour should a vote be called and considering co-sponsorship,” concludes the statement.  As explained by Peter Prove, director of the WCC’s Commission on International Affairs, the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion delivered in July 2025 was historic, in that it “confirmed that states have a legal obligation to act to prevent people and the living planet from climate change, and that failure by any government to do so may be a wrongful act under international law entailing specific legal consequences.” Moreover, the ICJ confirmed that big polluters carry a heavier responsibility to cut greenhouse gas emissions quickly and to help more vulnerable countries adapt and recover from loss and damage. However, while the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on this matter is of immense legal significance in the struggle for climate justice, it requires a resolution of the UN General Assembly to endorse it and to promote its implementation; hence the initiative by Vanuatu to propose such a resolution.  “The resolution advanced by Vanuatu—a frontline state in the accelerating climate crisis—offers legal and political support for our moral and spiritual goals: to promote eco-communal theology that unites Scripture, Indigenous wisdom, and science; and to continue church engagement for an exit from fossil fuels,” said Prove.  “I hope that the statement by the Pacific Conference of Churches will encourage churches around the world, not only in the Pacific region, to advocate with their governments to support this important resolution in the UN General Assembly,” Prove concluded. Read the full statement by the Pacific Conference of Churches 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