Faith Leaders Unite in Brazil to Advocate for Climate Justice Ahead of COP30

Faith leaders from various denominations across Latin America and the Caribbean will gather in Brazil to advocate for climate justice ahead of COP30. The event will involve prominent speakers, consensus-building on critical issues, and the drafting of a Call to Action to be delivered to COP30’s leadership.

Faith leaders from diverse backgrounds will convene in Brazil to establish a robust ecumenical alliance aimed at advocating for climate justice. This gathering will attract representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean, including countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and more. Denominations attending include Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Mennonite, Anabaptist, and Reformed Churches, alongside national and regional faith-based organizations and indigenous representatives.

The event will feature keynote addresses from notable figures, including Archbishop Marines Bassotto, Anglican Archbishop of the Amazon, and Cardinal Jaime Spengler, who serves as the president of both the Brazilian Roman Catholic Bishops Conference and the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council. Importantly, this gathering precedes COP30, slated for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, marking the first COP in Latin America since Lima in 2014.

The inclusion of voices from church leaders, particularly those representing indigenous communities and youth, is crucial for comprehending the multifaceted impacts of climate change. Attendees will discuss significant issues such as the necessity of financial resources for adaptation and loss and damage, the deleterious effects of mining on the Amazon rainforest, and listening to those who endure the brunt of climate change.

Participants will collectively create a Call to Action to present to the COP30 Presidency. This significant event is organized by a coalition of esteemed organizations, including the World Council of Churches, Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, and several others dedicated to ecumenical and environmental efforts.

The forthcoming gathering of Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders in Brazil is poised to foster a comprehensive dialogue on critical climate justice issues. Through collaborative efforts, these leaders aim to present a united voice at COP30, addressing pressing concerns such as financial support for climate adaptation, the impact of mining on the Amazon, and the need for inclusivity in policy discussions. The resultant Call to Action will underscore their commitment to making a meaningful impact on global climate discourse.

Original Source: www.oikoumene.org