Council of Churches Appeals for Integrity of Creation
November 01, 2011: A "call to responsibility and morality" has been launched on the issue of safeguarding creation and climate change during a meeting held on 31st October in Ottawa in Canada. The meet was sponsored by the Canadian Council of Churches, an organization formed by the Christian communities that adhere also at the World Council of Churches (WCC). The urgent appeal was also signed by Muslim and Hindu community leaders.
A statement issued at the end of the meet noted that climate change has a global dimension and therefore know no borders. "In this regard, the statement noted that "it is appropriate for all organizations of society including religious ones have a common responsibility to work together to transform the culture of selfishness in a culture of justice for all."
The statement expressed the hope that governments agree to strengthen the contribution of the nations in reducing greenhouse gases. In addition, it called on the authorities to promote the ‘climate justice’ contributing public funds to support those affected by natural disasters.
The initiative is part of a commitment that the member organizations of the WCC to promote an awakening of consciousness on ecological issues. It aims to pressure on state authorities to adopt the measures needed to restore a balance between man and his environment.
The appeal has been launched in view of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change to be held in Durban, South Africa, from 28 November to 9 December. This is the 17th annual conference on climate change at the UN. Last two summits held in Copenhagen in 2009 and Cancun in 2010 ended without significant results.
The program manager of the WCC on climate change, Guillermo Kerber said that the ecumenical body, together with Caritas Internationalis and the Religions for Peace network, is preparing a meeting to be held in conjunction with the opening of the Conference in Durban, to deepen the ethical and social consequences of climate changes.
Last September, the World Council of Churches in Geneva has sponsored a conference entitled "Bridging the gap: Faith and Ethics Perspectives."
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