Participants in the Jakarta workshop for climate justice advocacy. Photo: DIKIN
Participants from six Asian countries take part in workshop providing key theological insights and practical tool kits
(LWI) - Turning commitment into practical action to tackle the climate emergency. That was the goal of a five-day regional workshop organized by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Jakarta, Indonesia for climate justice advocates from across the Asia region. The gathering brought together representatives from 25 member churches from six countries—Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Cambodia, as part of the LWF’s 2025–2031 strategy, which names climate advocacy as a priority, alongside the adoption of more sustainable practices.
Asia remains one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, facing an increase in floods, typhoons, droughts, and rising sea levels, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In this context, the workshop highlighted the fundamental role of religious actors in responding to the crisis, both through grassroots participation and global advocacy. Discussions focused on upcoming international processes under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including priorities such as scaling up climate finance, advancing a just transition, phasing out from fossil fuels, and strengthening national climate commitments.
Faith communities are not merely witnesses to the climate crisis; they are active agents of change.
– Elena Cedillo, LWF Program Executive for Climate Justice
“Faith communities are not merely witnesses to the climate crisis; they are active agents of change,” said Elena Cedillo, LWF Program Executive for Climate Justice, noting that the workshop has equipped participating churches with both the knowledge and practical tools needed to turn their commitment into meaningful action. “Climate justice in Asia must be grounded in the realities of the most vulnerable, while fostering strong regional collaboration to shape climate policies and safeguard our common home,” she concluded.
Elena Cedillo, LWF Program Executive for Climate Justice led the regional workshop in Jakarta. Photo: DIKIN
The workshop brought together advocates from 25 LWF member churches in 6 countries. Photo: DIKIN
One outcome of the workshop was the development of a regional climate justice advocacy plan. Photo: DIKIN
Throughout the week, participants engaged in a rich blend of theological reflection, policy analysis and hands-on advocacy work. Sessions covered eco-theology, climate negotiations and practical tools for analyzing Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans. Interactive activities—including role-playing, media training and press release writing—equipped attendees with practical skills to influence policy and communicate effectively. The workshop also fostered peer learning and the exchange of best practices across countries, reinforcing a shared regional approach to climate justice.
Rev. Dr. Rospita Siahaan, LWF Regional Secretary for Asia, stated, “Caring for the earth is not merely an act of social responsibility or humanitarian concern. It is, at its deepest core, an expression of faith. Rooted in Christ’s redemptive work, Christians are called to participate in the healing of creation, transforming its present groaning into a chorus of praise, where all things are reconciled and renewed in divine harmony.”
A key outcome of the meeting was the development of a regional advocacy plan. Participants identified priority actions to strengthen collaboration through the Asian Climate Justice Forum and committed to advancing inclusive, community-driven climate solutions. At the conclusion of the workshop, advocates reaffirmed their role in building bridges between faith, policy, and grassroots action to address the urgent climate crisis.
The workshop brings discussions on climate justice closer to member churches, helping them understand the UN’s global climate processes in a way that relates to their own national realities.
– Warime Guti of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea
“The regional workshop on climate justice is very important because it brings discussions on climate justice closer to member churches, helping them understand the UN’s global climate processes in a way that relates to their own national realities,” said Warime Guti of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG). He explained that it creates a valuable space for member churches to learn from one another, share experiences from their ministries and programs, while inspiring one another through practical actions. “Most importantly, the workshop trains and empowers member churches so they can participate more in advocacy at the national level, including key climate frameworks such as Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans,” he noted.
Rev. Oinike Harefa of the Protestant Christian Church of Nias (BNKP) commented that: “Ecotheology is a form of constructive theology which examines the relationship between religious beliefs and the environment, focusing on ecological sustainability and ethical responsibility.” As a lecturer at the BNKP’s Sundermann Theological Seminary, she noted that this branch of theology is constantly evolving to better contribute to both local and global contexts, with the aim of promoting the church’s responsibility in advocating for climate justice. “In the Lutheran tradition’s approach to ecotheology, faith, action, and ethics are inseparable, and this contradicts an individualistic and passive conception of faith,” she said. “It criticizes how climate colonialism creates a global network of colonialism by making the poor pay the highest price and by determining who receives attention.”
As part of the workshop outcomes, participants collaborated to produce a short video podcast Faith & Climate Justice on their key takeaways from the training. In the conversation, they share insights gained throughout the sessions and explore practical ways to advance climate justice at the local level. The podcast highlights their commitment to turning learning into action, with a focus on community-based advocacy, raising awareness, and engaging local stakeholders in meaningful and context-specific responses to the climate crisis.
