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."