THE Anglican Communion must take the lead in addressing the climate crisis, the Primate of Brazil, the Most Revd Martinez Rosa Dos Santos Bassotto, who is the Bishop of Amazonia, told the General Synod in an address on the Friday.
Speaking in Portuguese, through an interpreter, she said that COP30, which was held in Brazil in November, had not made significant progress.
While it had approved both the goal of triple funding for climate adaptation to protect vulnerable populations and the creation of a tropical forest fund, there had been frustration and criticisms about the lack of a definitive plan for a just energy transition and the abandonment of forest fossil fuels, she said.
But the simultaneous People’s Summit had brought together more than 70,000 participants to discuss climate solutions based on the experiences of indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and social movements. And more than 15,000 people had joined an ecumenical gathering of Christians in the Anglican cathedral.
“It proved that churches can promote meaningful dialogue and action related to socio-environmental justice, and should be a prophetic voice denouncing environmental and social injustices, defending the rights of vulnerable peoples and calling for urgent action to protect God’s creation,” she said.
“You are in a position to mobilise and engage our congregations in concrete actions such as awareness campaigns, reforestation projects, and the promotion of sustainable practices. We can act as bridges . . . bringing together representatives of governments, businesses, civil society, and local communities to find joint solutions to environmental and social challenges.
“We can also offer spiritual and pastoral support to people affected by climate change and environmental degradation, promoting healing, reconciliation, and hope. I firmly believe in the leading role of the Church of the Anglican Communion in addressing the climate crisis. We cannot be mere observers. We must be agents of change. The time is now. The moment is this.”
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