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The Lutheran World Federation
Lutheran World Information |
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| 01.07.2008 |
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| LWF Council Gives Direction on Climate and Global Food Crisis |
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Action Requested from Geneva Secretariat, Field Programs and Member Churches
ARUSHA, Tanzania/Geneva, 1 July 2008 (LWI) – The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) called on LWF member churches to deepen their theological and ethical reflection on human contribution to climate change, as co- creatures with moral agency rather than claiming the prerogatives of creators.
Receiving recommendations of the Program Committee for International Affairs and Human Rights, the LWF governing body recommended that churches move beyond lamentation to urgent and effective action, and promote more sustainable lifestyles and behaviors among their members, with the aim to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions generated by institutional activities and operations.
It called member churches’ attention to “the critical urgency and unprecedented magnitude of the challenge of climate change and the threat it poses to humanity and all living beings on earth.” The theme of the 25-30 June Council meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, was “Melting Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro: A Witness of a Suffering Creation.”
The Council asked the general secretary and LWF member churches to undertake targeted advocacy actions in appropriate forums, such as the forth coming United Nations Climate Change Conference to promote strong political commitments that would lead to achieving a 40 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions compared to the 1990 levels of CO2 by 2020.
In requested the general secretary and LWF member churches to encourage advocacy for rapid transition from coal and other fossil fuels for power generation to non –nuclear renewable energy sources. The governing body called for enhanced efforts in the LWF, member churches and field programs to consolidate and address the impacts of climate change on development and poverty in the most vulnerable communities, and promote effective national and international responses to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The general secretary was asked to implement a CO2 emissions compensation system for LWF air travel, using appropriate LWF projects, at the latest by the beginning of 2009, and invite all member churches to use this CO2 emission compensation system for their air travel. Further necessary action should be taken to reduce the carbon footprint of the LWF secretariat.
Food Crisis
On the global food crisis, the Council declared that the essential tasks of providing basic nutrition to people, and ensuring food security could not be left to the mercy of markets. It insisted that promoting and protecting the right to food was a fundamental responsibility of government.
“We (the Council) emphasize the current food crisis is a reality not a short-term anomaly, but the result of longstanding and deeply entrenched policies, trends and structural injustices,” the LWF governing body stated.
Its members expressed concern and affirmed they would continue to study the ethical and distribution issues related to genetically-modified seeds and organisms in the context of the current food crisis. The general secretary was asked to ensure that the LWF’s portfolio of development projects and programs include a strong focus on promoting food sovereignty in staple foods. (488 words)
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Around 170 participants attended this year’s Council meeting including church leaders, officials from LWF partner organizations, invited guests, stewards, interpreters and translators, LWF staff and co-opted staff and accredited media. (985 words)
The Council is the LWF’s governing body meeting between Assemblies held every six years. The current Council was appointed at the July 2003 Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada. It comprises the President, Treasurer and 48 persons elected by the Assembly. Other members include advisors, lay and ordained persons, representing the different LWF regions.
LUTHERAN WORLD INFORMATION
Tel.: +41/22-791 63 69
Fax: +41/22-791 66 30
Editor’s E-Mail: pmu@lutheranworld.org
Media contact in Arusha: +255 782 321 852
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