The Wuppertal Call: “ecological conversion” urgently needed

After 52 participants from 22 countries from different confessional and faith traditions gathered 16-19 June in Wuppertal, Germany, they have released "Kairos for Creation – Confessing Hope for the Earth”.

The “Wuppertal Call” describes how the participants of the conference “Eco-Theology and the Ethics of Sustainability” shared stories from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania. “We heard the cries of the earth, the cries of people vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially children and the elderly, the cries of youth demanding intergenerational justice and the concerns of experts over current trends,” the text reads.

"We recognize the urgency of the years that lie ahead, nevertheless express the courage to hope and are compelled to call the global ecumenical movement towards a comprehensive ecological transformation of society.”

The call acknowledges that the ecumenical movement has long committed itself to a pilgrimage towards justice, peace and the integrity of creation. “These goals will require urgent steps on the road ahead,” reads the call. "We have transgressed planetary boundaries."

The conference in Wuppertal was planned and organized together by Protestant Association of Churches and Mission (EMW), Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), United Evangelical Mission (UEM), Bread for the World, World Council of Churches

Read the full text of the “Wuppertal Call”

You can read more: oikumene.org