A pre-COP30 ecumenical meeting in Brasília, Brazil, brought together faith leaders to address climate issues. Bishop Marinez Bassotto emphasized hope as a motivator for action, while representatives advocated for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. The event aimed to prepare a “Call to Action” for the upcoming COP30 summit, promoting collaborative efforts among faith communities.
A pre-COP30 ecumenical meeting commenced in Brasília, Brazil, highlighted by an opening prayer service at the Anglican Cathedral. Bishop Marinez Bassotto, the primate of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, underscored the importance of hope as a catalyst for faith communities to address the climate crisis. She expressed that hope should motivate immediate action rather than waiting for tomorrow, fostering a sense of solidarity and care among all creation.
Representatives from various Latin American and Caribbean faith communities, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Indigenous groups, participated in the event. These representatives gathered to exchange concerns and develop a “Call to Action” for the upcoming global climate summit, emphasizing the pressing impact of climate change on Indigenous populations and ecosystems.
Jocabed Solano, the director of Memoria Indígena, highlighted the essential role of Indigenous peoples in the Amazon, who have protected the ecosystem for generations. She urged the church to support these communities in their fight for environmental and social justice, acknowledging their critical contributions to the planet.
Roman Catholic Bishop Jerry Ruiz of Honduras spoke to the unity found in aiming for justice, despite diverse beliefs. He emphasized commonalities such as the cries of the Earth and marginalized communities, which should encourage cooperation towards shared goals.
The event was organized by several prominent organizations, including the World Council of Churches and ACT Alliance, indicating a strong collaborative effort among faith leaders to prepare for the COP30 summit.
The pre-COP30 meeting in Brasília united faith leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizing the significance of hope in addressing climate challenges. Highlighting the contributions of Indigenous communities and promoting ecumenical cooperation, the meeting aimed to formulate a strong collective response to the climate crisis ahead of the upcoming global summit. This collaborative effort seeks to foster solidarity and action among diverse faith communities.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
