by | Sep 13, 2026 | News
Photo credit: karrastock/Envato
Sixteen synods have passed resolutions this year in support of the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action, according to the Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PTLS) in California.
Overall, the ELCA has 65 synods, so the resolutions were approved by roughly 25% of the entire church body. The Center for Climate Justice and Faith is encouraging synods that have yet to pass similar resolutions to start organizing now for next year.
The World Council of Churches began its effort to urge congregational action in 2025, and the effort runs through 2034. According to the group, it is answering the prophetic call to care for our common home and stand in solidarity with those who suffer most from climate injustice. Urging systemic change, the Ecumenical Decade is part of what organizers say is “a kairos moment to bear prophetic witness, act with courage, and move together in hope toward the restoration of all creation.”
The climate justice team at PTLS is urging those who haven’t signed on to the resolution to consider having a team from their congregation participate in the Certificate in Faith-based Community Organizing for Climate Justice program. This year, 41 students completed the Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith in either the Spanish- or English-language cohort, and four Masters of Divinity and Masters in Spirituality and Social Change students graduated from the seminary with a concentration in Climate Justice and Faith. The certificate program can be completed 100% online.
In the spirit of “every day is Earth Day,” the group is also encouraging congregations to participate in the Season of Creation — a worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home from Sept. 1–Oct. 4. Lutheran-specific resources, including a common lectionary guide from Lutherans Restoring Creation, can also be found online. There is also an Actions Speak Loudly map on the Lutherans Restoring Creation website that shows what other ELCA congregations and synods are doing to care for creation.
Lastly, the Center suggests congregations watch and discuss the film series “Caring for the Earth” Each 20-minute film is paired with a Study + Discussion Guide designed for faith groups of all ages and sizes seeking deeper engagement. This film series includes insights from the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, ELCA director for theological diversity and ecumenical and inter-religious engagement.
Susan is an author with a long-time interest in religion and science. She currently edits Covalence, the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology’s online magazine. She has written articles in The Lutheran and the Zygon Center for Religion and Science newsletter. Susan is a board member for the Center for Advanced Study of Religion and Science, the supporting organization for the Zygon Center and the Zygon Journal. She also co-wrote Our Bodies Are Selves with Dr. Philip Hefner and Dr. Ann Pederson.
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team!