Reflection on recent climate summit

From Rev. Vy Nguyen, Week of Compassion Executive Director

All of Creation is hurting. Our climate is inarguably shifting. And people of faith are among those calling for urgent action.

A few weeks ago, I was privileged to be among a group of global leaders that gathered for the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference. The 2020 gathering was cancelled due to COVID-19, and the two years since the last conference have brought one devastating disaster after another, each made more complicated by the pandemic.

Political and faith leaders alike are at a critical point of engagement to protect the earth and build stronger communities. The pandemic has pushed many of us to think deeply about our spiritual journeys. We are searching for meaning and reflecting on how we live together as a global community.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), through Week of Compassion, is working to alleviate suffering around the world. It is becoming more and more apparent that a growing climate crisis causes significant suffering for God’s children. That is why, along with our ecumenical and interfaith partners, we are committed to supporting climate resilience programs. Where some of the world’s most vulnerable communities already struggle to survive under the burdens of a shifting environment, our combined efforts help provide hope and stability.

While the agreements made at COP26 among global leaders signal progress and are cautiously optimistic, there is still much work to be done. The church continues to play a major role in speaking for and walking with our global communities who experience disasters on a daily basis.  We are reminded, again and again, that the work of Creation is renewing and life-giving, and the church community is at work in the world.