A gathering of Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders will be held in Brazil to promote climate justice ahead of COP30. Key figures will address critical issues such as the impact of mining on the Amazon and financial support for climate resilience. Representing multiple faith traditions, participants will draft a Call to Action for the COP30 Presidency, organized by various religious organizations.
In Brazil, an important gathering of faith leaders from various traditions will take place, uniting representatives from different regions of Latin America and the Caribbean. This significant event aims to forge a robust ecumenical alliance that will collectively advocate for climate justice. Participants will hail from numerous countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Panama, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, encompassing various denominations such as Roman Catholic, Anglican, and others, alongside indigenous representatives.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by prominent figures, including Archbishop Marines Bassotto, the Anglican Archbishop of the Amazon, and Cardinal Jaime Spengler, president of the Brazilian Roman Catholic Bishops Conference (CNBB) and the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM). The gathering will precede COP30, which is scheduled to occur in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025, marking a significant event since the last COP in Lima, Peru, in 2014.
Having COP30 hosted in Brazil signifies the necessity of amplifying voices from church leaders across Latin America, particularly those of indigenous and youth representatives. Their insights are crucial for understanding the realities of climate change and exploring actionable solutions. Key themes to be addressed include financial requirements for adaptation and loss compensation, the adverse effects of mining on the Amazon, and the critical need for understanding the experiences of those most affected by climate change.
During the event, attendees will formulate a Call to Action, which will be presented directly to the COP30 Presidency. This initiative is organized by numerous esteemed organizations including the World Council of Churches, Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, and others, highlighting a unified approach to addressing climate challenges.
The upcoming gathering of faith leaders in Brazil seeks to build an ecumenical alliance advocating for climate justice ahead of COP30. By integrating diverse voices from Latin America and the Caribbean, the event aims to tackle pressing climate issues and deliver a significant Call to Action. The involvement of various organizations underscores a collective commitment to address the vulnerabilities posed by climate change, fostering collaboration across religious and indigenous communities.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
