Seminar at the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College. Photo: India Peace Centre
India Peace Center leads conversations on faith and action ahead of global climate conference in Brazil
(LWI) - In preparation for COP30, to be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10–21 November 2025, the India Peace Centre (IPC) in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is hosting events across India.
The growing intensity of heatwaves, wildfires, storms, and floods shows that climate change is already impacting the world, said IPC director Mr Angelious Michael. “Hence, this year’s meeting of world leaders, scientists, NGOs and civil society leaders will be crucial as it is an opportunity to measure international leaders’ commitment, and more importantly, the funding contributions from the global north.”
Michael noted that India’s diverse faith traditions have deep spiritual ties to nature, yet understanding of the climate crisis remains limited. “In recent years, however, faith communities have begun to view environmental care as a sacred duty, taking active roles in awareness, advocacy, and action,” he said.
With their wide reach and moral influence, they are well positioned to lead climate justice initiatives, support eco-friendly policies, and engage with national and global platforms like the UN and COP to build a more sustainable and just future.
Faith communities have begun to see nature preservation as a spiritual responsibility and a sacred act.
Angelious Michael, Director of the India Peace Centre
Theological education for climate justice
The IPC has scheduled 7 academic sessions at different universities across India, together with 7 interfaith seminars, and 3 webinars to draw awareness to climate emergency.
One of the first events was a seminar organized at the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute in Chennai in southern India on 3 September. Michael, also a member of the Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church in India, led the session, providing input about the processes of COP and its grassroots connections.
During the presentation, students of the seminary learned about the forthcoming conference, as well as key outcomes of COP29. They heard about the expectations from COP30, and the role of faith communities in the COP process, exploring how students can contribute to climate justice through theological education. The seminar ended with a statement issued by the students ahead of the COP30 meeting.
Interfaith dialogue and cooperation
Earlier, IPC, in partnership with LWF and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i, organized an interfaith seminar at the Baha’i House of Worship – the Lotus Temple in New Delhi. Leaders and representatives from various faith communities took part, offering their thoughts and expectations ahead of the Belém meeting.
Leaders of various faith communities engaged in dialogue on climate change. Photo: India Peace Centre
Interfaith dialogue in Delhi. Photo: India Peace Centre
“IPC looks forward to continued conversations and collaboration with legislators and faith leaders to explore ways of building an energy-efficient society and nation, responding faithfully and effectively to the escalating threats of climate change,” Michael said.
Furthermore, faith leaders, a COP strategist, and a scientist are taking part in a series of webinars hosted by the India Peace Centre in partnership with the LWF and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany to discuss climate displacement, loss and damage, climate impacts on agriculture and food, as well as the dynamics of the COP process. Speakers are also addressing global climate policies, indigenous wisdom, and intergenerational climate dialogue, Michael said.
The India Peace Centre will release a statement in early November 2025, before the start of COP 30.
COP30 in Belém, Brazil
COP30 in Belém calls the global community to act boldly for a sustainable and just world. This means reducing emissions, transitioning to renewable energy and safeguarding nature and ecosystems.
Real progress depends on setting emission targets that are aligned with scientific evidence, which is crucial for safeguarding the most vulnerable communities who are already experiencing severe impacts, as well as for the well-being of all humanity.
LWF’s Program Executive for Climate Justice, Elena Cedillo noted that real progress in Belém depends on setting emission targets that are aligned with scientific evidence. This is crucial for safeguarding the most vulnerable communities who are already experiencing severe impacts, as well as for the well-being of all of humanity." True climate action means ensuring justice for all, particularly those with the fewest resources, who are facing the greatest risks,” Cedillo said.
