A Commitment to Vulnerable People Affected by Climate Change

LWF Joins Ecumenical Launch to “Act Now for Climate Justice”

GENEVA, 22 April 2015 (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has affirmed its commitment to the cause of climate justice and strong support for ecumenical advocacy efforts with partner organizations such as the ACT Alliance and the World Council of Churches (WCC).

LWF Assistant General Secretary for International Affairs and Human Rights Mr Ralston Deffenbaugh, reiterated LWF’s stand with people affected by climate change in Geneva today, during the launch of the “Act Now for Climate Justice” campaign jointly coordinated by the LWF, ACT Alliance and WCC.

Deffenbaugh highlighted LWF’s critical awareness that “climate change is a matter of social and economic justice as it most affects the poorest people and displaces the most vulnerable.” It is with “utmost seriousness” and urgency that the LWF approaches this challenge both from the perspective of justice and human rights.

The LWF representative noted many people within the LWF communion mark the first day of each month by "Fasting for the Climate" in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable who are unduly affected by extreme weather events.

He expressed LWF’s gratitude for the engagement of youth in leading and representing the LWF delegations to the United Nations climate summits and other fora. “This has been a powerful and visible witness that care for creation is a matter of intergenerational justice,” Deffenbaugh added.

Coinciding with the 45th anniversary of Earth Day on 22 April, the launch at the Ecumenical Center incorporated symbolic actions in preparation for the COP 21 UN climate change negotiations in December 2015 in Paris. LWF staff joined in a special prayer service, a symbolic march around the center, an exhibition and signing of the Act Now for Climate Justice Petition.

“The journey for climate justice is one of the tasks that we can only achieve when we unite in a common cause, living out our joint destiny on this fragile, beautiful world which we all share,” Deffenbaugh concluded.