Towards Climate Justice
Ecumenical Young People Raising their Voices to the World
A Youth Protest at the WCC 11th General Assembly
Photos: Huguette Salameh, Karlsruhe, Germany. The Middle East Council of Churches
"Stop water and air pollution! Stop environmental crime! There’s no Planet B! Green Faith and Better Future!...”. These slogans were raised by young people from all over the world during a youth protest held, Friday 2 September 2022, in Karlsruhe, Germany. In fact, the Ecumenical Youth Gathering (EYG) at the World Council of Churches expressed the need for common work towards achieving climate justice. Noting that the “Season of Creation” 2022 is launched worldwide.
Today, youth are suffering from many issues. But the climate issue is now their most important priority. Their purpose is to highlight the danger of climate change, and invite all people for effective work in order to find practical solutions to protect the earth and their common home. But is anyone listening to them?
The whole world is today listening to their voices from Germany, where the WCC 11th General Assembly is taking place between 31 August and 8 September 2022, under the theme "Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” The infinite love of Christ calls us, in fact, to protect all God's creatures and our suffering earth.
Members of the Ecumenical Youth Gathering (EYG) met together during activities, discussions and pre-assembly sessions, before and during the General Assembly. They want to share their experiences and concerns on climate change, each one through their environment, culture and country. They also need to raise their voices and contribute to the environmental recommendations that will be issued by the WCC General Assembly.
It is worth mentioning that the General Assembly convened, on Thursday 1 September 2022, a thematic plenary entitled “The purpose of God’s love in Christ for the whole of creation – reconciliation and unity." It was held in the first day of the “Season of Creation” and the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Communication and Public Relations Department