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Pacific faith-based communicators call for ecological justice.
By Teresia Mutuku, Communication Officer and Web Manager, WACC
WACC-Pacific members have called on church leaders to foster communication on climate change and ecological justice among the Pacific islands communities.
In a Declaration issued at the end of their general assembly held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, July 25 – 30, 2011, the members also called for climate justice issues to be incorporated in general education curriculum and theological formation.
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Some of the WACC-Pacific members attending seminar and general assembly in
Nuku’alofa, Tonga, July 25 – 30, 2011.
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While affirming communication as vital in promoting awareness about climate issues, the members emphasized that church leaders should interpret and properly understand Christian doctrine in the light of evolving knowledge on ecology and environment.
The members further invoked concerted action and joint response to climate injustices by faith groups including production of awareness and communication materials in local languages such as posters, books and brochures.
“We aim to promote green theology and uphold Christian values of ‘taking care’ of the Earth,” declared the members.
Outgoing WACC-Pacific President, Viliame Falekaono, appealed to church leaders to take a proactive stand about climate issues by promoting awareness among congregations. He also observed that church leaders should develop “guidelines” about climate justice and “green theology” for faith communicators and theologians.
Falekaono urged church leaders to use social networks and alternative media such as community radio for advocacy and campaigns on issues of climate justice.
“As WACC members we reclaim our prophetic role as Christian communicators to support people’s movements for climate justice, voicing the concerns of marginalized communities,” said Falekaono.
The Declaration was drawn up by delegates from Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, French Polynesia, Vanuatu, American Samoa and Tonga.
Read full Declaration here…
Prior to the assembly, the delegates held a seminar on the theme “Integrating information resources for climate change adaptation and awareness”. Among key presenters at the seminar were:
- Siaosi Sovaleni - Manager of Pacific ICT outreach programme of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
- Peter Emberson - Communication and Media Officer for Pacific Council of Churches.
- Rev. Akuila Yabaki - Chief Executive Officer for Citizen’s Constitutional Forum, Fiji.
- Sr. Keity Ann Kanongata’a from the Diocese of Tonga and Niue.
- Sione Fulivai from the Climate Change, Department of the Ministry of land, survey and natural resources, Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
The seminar was also attended by WACC project partners and representatives of leading ICTs, and environmental organizations as well as faith based organizations such as Catholic Women’s League, Tonga Women Crisis Centre, Wesleyan Women, Ma’a Fefine Tonga Youth Council and Tonga national council of Churches.
At the end of the assembly, the members elected a new executive committee comprised of:
- President: Rev. Akuila Yabaki - Chief Executive Officer for Citizen’s Constitutional Forum, Fiji.
- Vice president: Sharon Rolls - Coordinator of FemLink Pacific: Media Initiatives for Women.
- Secretary/Treasurer: Agatha Ferei - Executive Director of Fiji Media Watch Group.
- Member: Linda Tematua - Evangelical Church of Tahiti (Representative of the French Polynesia).
- Member: Rev. Hanser Raynold, Chuuk (Representative of Micronesia islands).
For more information about the Declaration contact:
Rev. AkuilaYabaki
President, WACC – Pacific
Email:
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Also visit WACC's special webpage on communication and climate justice for more information and resources: http://www.waccglobal.org/en/activities/climate-justice.html |
