[Press Release] ‘The Time Is Now’: Regional joint initiative to highlight the beauty of creation

Vital role of churches in decision making 

Carine Wendland, of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, spoke about the potential public impact of the campaign. She explained that churches’ participation in debates on climate policy is essential because the decisions made today will have consequences for future generations. “Communities possess knowledge and experiences that must be heard,” she noted, citing especially the contribution of indigenous peoples. “Churches can help amplify those voices and promote broader participation in decision-making processes,” she added. 

Maro Micah Maua of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church, reflected on the significant collaboration between the two LWF regions. “It means hope,” he affirmed. “Because, even though we live on different continents, we face similar challenges. Our communities know the consequences of the climate crisis, and they also know the importance of solidarity,” he added. 

The online event on 6 June marked the beginning of the campaign that will lead up to COP31, the next United Nations climate summit which will be held in Türkiye from 9 to 20 November.  

The campaign’s first video is a journey through the mangroves in El Salvador. Viewers are invited to contemplate the richness of this ecosystem while also recognizing the risks it faces due to the climate crisis and environmental degradation.  

Bishop Guadalupe Cortez de Huezo of the Salvadoran Lutheran Church urged more churches to join ‘The Time is Now’ campaign. “God’s creation is being damaged, and we in the communities see this every day in our own areas. That is why, as members of the church, we are responding from our own reality and context: the time is now”, she said. 

Follow the campaign videos in Spanish and English on the LAC Climate Justice Forum Instagram account and YouTube channel.