We're with Greta
Participants in a faith-based climate consultation in New York City gather for a photo behind a poster saying "We're with Greta," a reference to teen-age climate activist Greta Thunberg. (Photo Courtesy of A Parliament of the World's Religions).
On September 24, 2019 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) hosted a critical faith-based civil society consultation aimed at sharing experiences, commitments, and perspectives from the work being carried out on the climate emergency. The Parliament of the World's Religions was represented by the Audrey Kitagawa, Chair of the Board; Joshua Basofin, Director of Climate Action, and a number of Parliament Trustees including Kusumita Pederson, Dianne Dillon-Ridgley, Michael Terrien, and Saffet Catovic.
The Climate Emergency: Faith-Based Organizations Raising Ambition - Leaving No One Behind consultation attracted a diverse audience with over 48 organizations participating. Representatives from the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Jewish traditions came together for a dynamic conversation about the role of our respective communities in addressing the climate crisis. A delegation of youth climate activists reported on their success during the youth climate strike, which galvanized over 4 million people around the world. With conversations focused on Climate Justice, Climate Loss and Damage, and Climate Migration, the consultation found common ground and catalyzed a lasting partnership that will continue as we do the work of climate activism in our own communities as well as with a global scope.
Inspired by the United Nations Climate Change Summit 2019, the ELCA brought together organizations like the Parliament of the World's Religions, the Center for Earth Ethics, Sojourners, the World Council of Churches, and the Earth Day Network to foster additional momentum on the climate emergency. Explore the full list of participating organizations and programs in a PDF of the program booklet.