Minority Churches Seek Global Lutheran Solidarity in Climate Change Response

Significant Impact on Mission and Evangelism Work in Asia

BANGKOK; Thailand/GENEVA, 9 December 2009 (LWI) – Representatives of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Asia are asking the LWF, its ecumenical and interfaith partners to provide and share appropriate resources and expertise to enable churches respond effectively to the issue of climate change.

Whether it is catastrophic flooding or drought, deforestation or mining, the social, economic and political problems emanating from climate change are interrelated, stated the report of a group discussion on this topic during the Asia Pre-Assembly Consultation (APAC), taking place 6-9 December in Bangkok, Thailand.

The group members underlined that with a few exceptions, churches in the region are in a minority situation, and therefore “so small and so powerless” to take concerted effort in effectively responding to the impact of climate change. They emphasized “the need to start where we are, with the empowerment of families, women and children.”

While “it is difficult to know where to start in solving them, we all realize that these problems affect not only our countries and the lives of our citizens, but also the work of our churches in evangelism and mission,” stated the group’s report.

Participants in the APAC, held in conjunction with the Asia Church Leadership Consultation (ACLC), include bishops and presidents of the region’s churches, LWF Council members and advisers, women and youth representatives, mission partners, ecumenical guests and LWF staff. Deliberations are guided by the LWF Eleventh Assembly theme, “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread.”

During their group discussion, members had recounted stories from their respective contexts that portrayed “human sin in its many forms—greed, corruption, deception and outright theft.” In Papua New Guinea people feel helpless against the onslaught of multinational companies robbing them of their natural resources - their birthright. In India and Bangladesh, the adverse effects of climate change on people’s lives and livelihoods are immeasurable, whereas people in Japan and Hong Kong are confronted with “the poverty of the human spirit in the face of yesterday’s economic success that has gone sour today.”

Suggestions in the plenary discussion on the group’s report underlined the need to seek solutions and synergies in collaboration with the existing LWF structures such as the LWF Council and Lutheran Council in Asia - LUCAS, and ecumenical networks.

It was underlined that the quest for justice with respect to climate change was urgent, calling for clear, biblical thinking that is sensitive to local settings and needs. “Work for the dignity, justice, and peace of our creation should start now,” remarked LWF Council member Rev. Dr Jubil R. Hutauruk from the Protestant Christian Batak Church, Indonesia. (455 words)

Journey | Asia Pre-Assembly Consultation

09.12.2009

Minority Churches Seek Global Lutheran Solidarity in Climate Change Response

Significant Impact on Mission and Evangelism Work in Asia

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