Thirty-three participants hailing from various Council for World Mission (CWM) member churches across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Europe, ecumenical and interfaith partners, grassroots climate movements, theological institutions, youth networks, and Indigenous communities gathered in Lusaka, Zambia from 2-6 June for a “Faith at the Forefront of Climate Justice and Renewal” consultation.
The event was a timely prophetic and theological response to the climate crisis, positioning faith as a frontline agent in the struggle for environmental justice.
Positioning itself as a global ecclesial convocation, the gathering of the diverse members of the faith community created a hotbed for conversations on the topic of climate change and collapse, framing it as a crisis that encompasses spiritual, political, and judicial aspects.
Throughout the five days, participants were actively challenged to reject messages of neutrality and avoid complicity with empire in the face of widespread ecological devastation. The consultation also provided a valuable space for the forging of global alliances for radical climate justice activism and policy advocacy and to mark World Environment Day (5 June) with bold, transformative environmental action.
“Faith communities must rise as prophetic voices, challenging structures that perpetuate ecological violence and economic injustice,” said Daimon Mkandawire, CWM Mission Secretary for Ecology and Economy.
“The Scriptures echo a divine call for justice, stewardship, and the restoration of creation. Psalm 24:1 writes ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.’ The reckless exploitation of nature is an affront to this sacred trust.”
Amplifying young voices
The consultation served as a platform that amplified the voices of youth speaking truth to power and advocating for a more equitable, sustainable future – recognising the youth as the world’s greatest asset in being both present and future role players in fighting for climate justice.
In light of that goal, a youth panel dialogue on “Generation Now: Faith, Resistance, and the Fight for Climate Justice” spotlighted youth-led movements in the global climate struggle while igniting discussions about innovative faith-based activism for ecological transformation and engaging emerging youth leaders who are instrumental in shaping the future of climate justice.
“This consultation was not a workshop—it was a pilgrimage. I leave Lusaka feeling awakened and commissioned,” said Dr Malebona Makoetje, a youth participant from Lesotho, who also headed the panel.
Seeds for the future
Participants visited Chipembi Girls’ Secondary School, a United Church of Zambia (UCZ) institution that embodies practical ecological theology.
The visit showcased the school’s commitment to a climate-responsive education featuring school-run tree nurseries, rainwater harvesting systems, and an integrated eco-curriculum. At the same time, the visit also underscored how a robust education for girls and faith-rooted environmental action can come together to confront empire’s exploitation of both women and land.
Subsequently, participants toured student-managed biogas digesters, hydroponic gardens, poultry farms, and vegetable gardens that fully illustrated the integration of ecological resilience, theological imagination, and youth empowerment.
To mark World Environment Day on 5 June, trees were planted by the participants on the campus, symbolising a rooted resistance, a nascent prophetic hope, and a commitment to ecological renewal.
“We are not just planting trees. We are planting resistance, memory, and futures. Every seed we place in the soil indicts the logic of empire and testifies to our conviction that faith must disrupt destruction,” declared Mkandawire. “The church must become a sanctuary of soil, a temple of trees, a people rooted in justice.”
