Latest news with #JerryPillay
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Sustainability and climate change: Key discussions at the G20 Interfaith Forum
Climate change is a leading issue for the G20, with sustainability a central priority for South Africa's G20 agenda. Wednesday's plenary at the IF20 focused on climate imperatives. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers Issues of sustainability and the roles that interfaith organisations can play in fighting and assisting to mitigate the impact of climate change took centre stage at the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) on Wednesday morning. The IF20 forum convenes religious leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges. The IF20 event is intended to reflect and reinforce South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability', but also highlight how Ubuntu can be used to tackle societal issues. The Cape Town event is intended as a catalyst for action, fostering partnerships that transcend borders, beliefs, and sectors. General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, started the morning's plenary on religious responsibilities and action when it comes to sustainability. Pillay explained that a sustainable society requires a level of human activity that is not affected by the never-ending variations of the global economy. He also highlighted that the unrestricted consumption by wealthy nations and sectors of society, and how their behaviour has adverse effects on those who are not. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, started the morning's plenary on religious responsibilities and action when it comes to sustainability. Image: Screenshot. 'Our prevailing financial and economic thinking and systems are unsustainable and are at the root of the climate and economic crisis that threatens life on earth. The original intention of sustainability, of shaping ecological, social and economic dimensions in the interest of the future viability of all life, communities both in the north and south…has been eroded in an era of neo-liberal economic globalisation,' Pillay said. 'Sustainability cannot be achieved without equity, and equity without sustainability.' Pillay said that Covid-19 highlighted how the issue of sustainability cannot exclude health, as the health of the planet and people matters. He added spirituality has a vital role to play in deepening sustainability. 'We need a spirituality founded on a profound understanding of our intrinsic interconnectedness in God's household of life that motivates us to serve the common good, and a spirit of solidarity that empowers us to a radical sharing with anyone who may have need. 'Here we have a lot to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters, and African, Asian, and other traditions, as we speak about ubuntu and other concepts.' What followed his address was a panel discussion which, alongside Pillay, included Executive Secretary of International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), Somboon Chungprampree, General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, Director of the CDDC Trust/EFSA Institute, Dr. Renier Koegelenberg, and Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at the Vatican City, Alessandra Smerilli. Morrison highlighted that climate change is not a political or scientific issue, but rather a moral and spiritual one. He said it is imperative to build trust with faith leaders and communities even before disasters strike and devastate areas, as they are often the ones called up to assist. 'We need to encourage a culture of preparedness for emergencies… It is important that we teach them to set aside a small number of things that will become handy for them when there is a disaster, such as scooping a tablespoon of rice or anything you like, and put it aside in a bottle that could be used in a disaster.'
Cision Canada
28-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Looking back, looking forward: The United Church of Canada at 100 years
ST. JOHN'S, NL, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The United Church of Canada was formed on June 10, 1925, through an Act of Canadian Parliament. On June 8 at 7 p.m. NL, a worship service in the historic Gower Street United Church in St. John's, NL, will commemorate that moment 100 years ago. The Centennial theme is Deep, Bold, Daring. "As The United Church of Canada prepares to commemorate its centennial, it is not just looking back at 100 years of faith and justice in Canada, but using the occasion to look forward to the next 100," says Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary. "We're answering the call to renew the church for the next 100 years by highlighting the global and local work the church is doing, and who the church is becoming." The service includes a mass choir from churches across Newfoundland and Labrador. Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, will address the special in-person service, which will also be livestreamed nationally on The United Church of Canada's YouTube channel. Other highlights of the weekend include: Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. – more than 50 leaders and members of the General Council Executive volunteering at Bridges to Hope, First United Church, 221 Park Ave., Mount Pearl, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Stella's Circle, 77 Charter Ave, St. John's, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. – Centennial celebration dinner for invited guests Sunday, June 8 at 10 a.m. – senior staff preaching at churches in and near St. John's. The United Church of Canada brought together some Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational congregations, along with the General Council of the Local Union Churches in a remarkable effort of collaboration and agreement. It inherited the Wesleyan tradition in Canada and is a member of the World Methodist Council. The service at Gower Street UC honours Newfoundland's integral role in the history of The United Church of Canada – both as the historic home of Methodism in Canada, and because Newfoundland joined the United Church more than two decades before it joined the confederation of Canada. REV. PROF. DR. JERRY PILLAY As the general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is the chief executive officer with final responsibility for the work of the Council and its staff, and speaks on its behalf. He began serving as general secretary on January 1, 2023. He is the ninth general secretary in the WCC's history since the fellowship of churches was founded in 1948. He was previously dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria. A member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, he is from South Africa. [email protected] | [email protected], Based in Kitchener, Ont.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Looking back, looking forward: The United Church of Canada at 100 years
ST. JOHN'S, NL, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The United Church of Canada was formed on June 10, 1925, through an Act of Canadian Parliament. On June 8 at 7 p.m. NL, a worship service in the historic Gower Street United Church in St. John's, NL, will commemorate that moment 100 years ago. The Centennial theme is Deep, Bold, Daring. "As The United Church of Canada prepares to commemorate its centennial, it is not just looking back at 100 years of faith and justice in Canada, but using the occasion to look forward to the next 100," says Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary. "We're answering the call to renew the church for the next 100 years by highlighting the global and local work the church is doing, and who the church is becoming." The service includes a mass choir from churches across Newfoundland and Labrador. Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, will address the special in-person service, which will also be livestreamed nationally on The United Church of Canada's YouTube channel. Other highlights of the weekend include: Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. – more than 50 leaders and members of the General Council Executive volunteering at Bridges to Hope, First United Church, 221 Park Ave., Mount Pearl, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Stella's Circle, 77 Charter Ave, St. John's, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. – Centennial celebration dinner for invited guests Sunday, June 8 at 10 a.m. – senior staff preaching at churches in and near St. John's. The United Church of Canada brought together some Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational congregations, along with the General Council of the Local Union Churches in a remarkable effort of collaboration and agreement. It inherited the Wesleyan tradition in Canada and is a member of the World Methodist Council. The service at Gower Street UC honours Newfoundland's integral role in the history of The United Church of Canada – both as the historic home of Methodism in Canada, and because Newfoundland joined the United Church more than two decades before it joined the confederation of Canada. REV. PROF. DR. JERRY PILLAY As the general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is the chief executive officer with final responsibility for the work of the Council and its staff, and speaks on its behalf. He began serving as general secretary on January 1, 2023. He is the ninth general secretary in the WCC's history since the fellowship of churches was founded in 1948. He was previously dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria. A member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, he is from South Africa. SOURCE United Church of Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Global church network pushes 'climate justice' narrative during Holy Week: 'Moral imperative'
FIRST ON FOX: One of the world's leading liberal ecumenical Christian organizations published a post during Holy Week promoting climate change activism, sparking criticism from some experts who spoke to Fox News Digital. "Training shows climate justice a moral imperative for churches," a post on the World Council of Churches website said on Monday as the billions of Christians worldwide began observing Holy Week and commemorating the seven days leading up to Easter. The post stated: "Exploring how churches can do more for climate justice, the World Council of Churches (WCC), in cooperation with the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh, organized a climate litigation training in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 11 April." In a Thursday post on X, WCC again spoke about climate change saying, "Climate crisis isn't siloed—neither should our solutions be. At a joint seminar in India, experts push for a nexus approach to land, water & food justice." Flashback: Biden Proclaimed Trans Day Of Visibility In 2024 That Coincided With Easter Sunday "Amidst the poly-crises the world is experiencing now, the role of churches and other faith actors in terms of our contributions to climate justice is more important than ever," WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay said in Bangladesh. "Our moral voice is necessary for the urgently needed system changes." Read On The Fox News App Last week, WCC announced that it has "debuted its new resource on legal tools for climate justice, the focus was on hope for children—a hope strongly backed by knowledge on how churches can hold financial actors accountable for their role in perpetuating the climate crisis." Fox News Digital reached out to WCC for comment. Dan Turner, founder and executive director of Power The Future, likened the climate change push to Christianity's "long history of a battle against paganism." "It is unsurprising that neo-pagans hide behind climate change to pollute religion and push their agenda," Turner said. "The most Christian countries have the cleanest air and water, and the greatest respect for the Earth." Easter And Passover Foods That Americans Most Like And Dislike, According To New Data Gabriella Hoffman, Independent Women's Forum Center for Energy & Conservation Director, told Fox News Digital that it is not "uncommon" for religious institutions to preach the "biblical" teaching of "stewardship of the land" but that climate justice "strays from this teaching by encouraging its adherents to reject positive human interactions with nature." "They believe nature supersedes the needs of people. Both interests can be balanced and not at odds with each other," Hoffman said. Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers and a Senior Advisor for Catholic Vote, told Fox News Digital, "During Holy Week, the church should be focused on reflecting on Christ's sacrifice on the cross, instead of advancing climate hysteria. The church should be spreading the Gospel, not advance divisive legal battles that amplify fear over faith." The WCC, which claims 352 member church bodies from more than 120 countries, representing over 580 million Christians worldwide, has a long history of political activism on behalf of liberal causes. The organization has "established several highly biased and politicized subgroups," according to NGO Monitor, some of which have been linked to anti-Israel efforts and BDS activities. Last year, the WCC issued a statement in support of the International Criminal Court's controversial decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to the fallout from the October 7th terror attack. Shortly after that attack, the WCC issued a statement calling for "underscor[ing] the necessity of addressing the root causes of the current conflict, which are deeply intertwined with decades of occupation, prolonged sieges on Gaza, and the systematic violation of fundamental human rights."Original article source: Global church network pushes 'climate justice' narrative during Holy Week: 'Moral imperative'
Fox News
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Global church network pushes 'climate justice' narrative during Holy Week: 'Moral imperative'
FIRST ON FOX: One of the world's leading liberal ecumenical Christian organizations published a post during Holy Week promoting climate change activism, sparking criticism from some experts who spoke to Fox News Digital. "Training shows climate justice a moral imperative for churches," a post on the World Council of Churches website said on Monday as the billions of Christians worldwide began observing Holy Week and commemorating the seven days leading up to Easter. The post stated: "Exploring how churches can do more for climate justice, the World Council of Churches (WCC), in cooperation with the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh, organized a climate litigation training in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 11 April." In a Thursday post on X, WCC again spoke about climate change saying, "Climate crisis isn't siloed—neither should our solutions be. At a joint seminar in India, experts push for a nexus approach to land, water & food justice." "Amidst the poly-crises the world is experiencing now, the role of churches and other faith actors in terms of our contributions to climate justice is more important than ever," WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay said in Bangladesh. "Our moral voice is necessary for the urgently needed system changes." Last week, WCC announced that it has "debuted its new resource on legal tools for climate justice, the focus was on hope for children—a hope strongly backed by knowledge on how churches can hold financial actors accountable for their role in perpetuating the climate crisis." Fox News Digital reached out to WCC for comment. Dan Turner, founder and executive director of Power The Future, likened the climate change push to Christianity's "long history of a battle against paganism." "It is unsurprising that neo-pagans hide behind climate change to pollute religion and push their agenda," Turner said. "The most Christian countries have the cleanest air and water, and the greatest respect for the Earth." Gabriella Hoffman, Independent Women's Forum Center for Energy & Conservation Director, told Fox News Digital that it is not "uncommon" for religious institutions to preach the "biblical" teaching of "stewardship of the land" but that climate justice "strays from this teaching by encouraging its adherents to reject positive human interactions with nature." "They believe nature supersedes the needs of people. Both interests can be balanced and not at odds with each other," Hoffman said. Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers and a Senior Advisor for Catholic Vote, told Fox News Digital, "During Holy Week, the church should be focused on reflecting on Christ's sacrifice on the cross, instead of advancing climate hysteria. The church should be spreading the Gospel, not advance divisive legal battles that amplify fear over faith." The WCC, which claims 352 member church bodies from more than 120 countries, representing over 580 million Christians worldwide, has a long history of political activism on behalf of liberal causes. The organization has "established several highly biased and politicized subgroups," according to NGO Monitor, some of which have been linked to anti-Israel efforts and BDS activities. Last year, the WCC issued a statement in support of the International Criminal Court's controversial decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to the fallout from the October 7th terror attack. Shortly after that attack, the WCC issued a statement calling for "underscor[ing] the necessity of addressing the root causes of the current conflict, which are deeply intertwined with decades of occupation, prolonged sieges on Gaza, and the systematic violation of fundamental human rights."
