As COP28 opened on 30 November, an interfaith dialogue in the spirit of talanoa — a holistic, life-affirming dialogue practice from the Pacific —brought what World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay described as “an ethical, moral, and spiritual voice” to the climate talks.
In the spirit of unity, shared responsibility, and Human Fraternity, and at this pivotal moment of the global climate crisis that demands transformative action to keep 1.5 degrees within reach and serve affected and vulnerable communities, we, representatives of diverse faith and Indigenous traditions, through dialogue with scientists, religious scholars, academics, women’s organizations, youth, civil society, business leaders, and environmental policymakers, convened in Abu Dhabi in the lead-up to COP28 to express our shared concern for the escalating climate impacts that imperil our cherished planet, as well as our common commitment to jointly address this global crisis, building upon our previous efforts, including the interfaith appeal for COP26. Our faith instills in us a sacred duty to cherish not only our human family but also the fragile ecosystem that cradles us.
Announcement of An informal interfaith gathering in the spirit of Talanoa dialogue - Takes place 15:00 to 20:00 local time in Dubai UAE. Dubai is in the GST time zone, which is UTC +4
As COP28 opened on 30 November, an interfaith dialogue in the spirit of talanoa — a holistic, life-affirming dialogue practice from the Pacific —brought what World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay described as “an ethical, moral, and spiritual voice” to the climate talks.
This guide was produced by the Justice Coalition of Religious (JCoR), a coalition of 22 non-governmental organizations that are accredited to collectively represent over 200 congregations of Roman Catholic women and men Religious at the United Nations (UN). For centuries, congregations of Religious have served people who have been rendered poor, vulnerable, oppressed, and marginalized by existing global systems. Through our membership in JCoR, we have united with our sister and brother organizations to enhance collaboration among our members – at UN Headquarters and around the world – in our common mission: to improve quality of life for people who are living in poverty and to enhance our stewardship of the natural environment.
The primary aim of our collaboration is to strengthen the capacity of Catholic Religious and their partners to address the root causes of human and environmental suffering.
We work toward this goal by coordinating national, regional, and global efforts of Religious to call on political leaders to take action for a just, equitable, and rights-based implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations' Agenda for 2015-2030.
We hope these pages will help empower you join us in this mission!
When climate negotiators arrive for UNFCCC COP 28 in Dubai, they'll have a full agenda: completion of the first Global Stocktake under the 2015 Paris Agreement, operationalizing the funding arrangements for loss and damage, a new collective quantified goal on climate finance, and the global goal on adaptation, among other items.
Earth Negotiations Bulletin's Jennifer Bansard shares what to watch at COP 28, including the influence of climate extremes and geopolitical tensions.
Of your grace and goodness, please consider our invitation to you and request of you (and your faith community) on behalf of the United Nations Interfaith Liaison Committee:
We encourage people of all faiths to offer their prayers and meditations towards a beneficial United Nations COP 28.
Our prayer and meditation around the world has helped the previous COP’s. This was the feedback we have received. The picture above is of Prayer and Meditation at COP26 in Glasgow. Not pictured are those who offered their spiritual practice at that time from many other places in the world. Our invitation is that we continue what we have begun with a renewed sincerity of commitment.
The need now, as we all know, is urgent.
From now to the time of the Talanoa Dialogue and Interfaith Service on 30 November 2023 in Christ Church Dubai and to the end of the COP, please meditate and pray. We hope all who gather for this COP will feel they are on holy ground and act accordingly,for the sake of all creation.
During preparations for and whilst COP28 is held:
1. Be part of a ‘Spiritual Wave’ around our world, every day, at noon in your time zone, alone or along with others. A short, simple remembrance of COP28 in Silent Prayer and Meditation, with the symbolic actions of our traditions-whether it be the chime of bells, lighting a candle or silence – bowing, kneeling, standing or sitting in prayer.
2. Weekly local/virtual groups:
This involves Meditation and Prayer, in shared silence, according to our respective spiritual practice. Our experience is that these groups shape a quality of friendship that flows readily into service and advocacy. Our discernment and imagination are nurtured by each other’s company in silent prayer and meditation. Suggested prayers and affirmations are found here
When? Choose a time that suits locally. Please let us know at the Interfaith Liaison Committee. Contact us at https://interfaithliaisoncommittee.carrd.co/ (see bottom of page)
