The Ecumenical pre-COP30 meeting in Brasília gathered faith leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss climate action. Bishop Marinez Bassotto emphasized hope as a catalyst for action, while participants acknowledged the vital role of Indigenous peoples. The meeting aimed to prepare a united front for the upcoming COP30 summit, emphasizing solidarity and shared responsibility among diverse faith communities.
The Ecumenical pre-COP30 meeting commenced at the Anglican Cathedral of Brasília, where Bishop Marinez Bassotto emphasized the imperative of hope in mobilizing faith communities against the climate crisis. She stated, “This hope is alive, keeps us moving, and compels us to act today.” This hope, Bassotto argued, should inspire awareness of the interconnectedness of creation, urging an attitude of solidarity and care, reflective of our responsibility as children of God.
Participants at the meeting included representatives from various faith communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, encompassing nations such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru. The attendees comprised a diverse array of religious organizations including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Indigenous networks, all collaborating to exchange concerns and strategies toward climate action.
A significant focus of the discussions was on the impacts of climate change on Indigenous peoples, especially in the Amazon, which hosts the forthcoming global climate summit. Jocabed Solano of Panama acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Indigenous peoples, stating, “We especially recognize the role of Indigenous peoples… caring for the ecosystem and passing down knowledge.”
The commitment of the church to support Indigenous communities in their fight for environmental justice was further emphasized. Solano remarked that such support is crucial in acknowledging their efforts to protect their territories, a sentiment echoed by Roman Catholic Bishop Jerry Ruiz from Honduras. He articulated a vision of unity among diverse faiths against the challenges posed by climate change, saying, “Regardless of our religious beliefs, I believe that what unites us is the same spirit.”
This pre-COP30 assembly was facilitated by prominent organizations including the World Council of Churches, ACT Alliance, and Caritas Internationalis, fostering a platform for dialogue and collaboration among faith leaders worldwide.
The Ecumenical pre-COP30 meeting in Brasília highlights the vital role of faith communities in addressing the climate crisis. With a unified call to action, attendees emphasized hope, solidarity, and the importance of Indigenous knowledge in environmental advocacy. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to environmental and social justice, inviting diverse faith traditions to transcend their differences for a common goal in protecting our planet.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
