Geneva: Christians worldwide are being urged to take legal action against major polluters and their financial backers as part of a new initiative for climate justice.
A handbook released by the World Council of Churches outlines practical steps faith organizations can take to protect future generations from the increasing climate crisis.
The handbook provides faith organizations with practical ways to safeguard future generations from the climate crisis, citing Christian principles of stewardship and justice.
While many religious leaders, including Pope Francis, have long championed climate action, the WCC- which represents numerous Christian denominations emphasized that advocacy alone has proven insufficient as carbon emissions continue to rise, primarily due to the relentless expansion of fossil fuel industries.
WCC publishes resource “Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable”, providing churches and communities essential tools to hold financial actors accountable for their role in perpetuating the climate crisis: https://t.co/GCEygThOYx #WCC pic.twitter.com/sXDV5tvyFd
— World Council of Churches (WCC) (@Oikoumene) March 24, 2025
“This situation compels us to recognize that there is no contradiction between utilizing legal frameworks and embodying Christian values,” the WCC states.
The handbook highlights the increasing use of climate lawsuits to influence corporate and governmental behavior, noting that such legal actions also shape public discourse and drive policy shifts. It points to the growing focus on financial institutions including banks, pension funds, and credit agencies, that fund fossil fuel projects.
“A targeted legal intervention that increases the costs of doing business for fossil fuel firms could have significant systemic effects,” the handbook explains.
Faith-based legal interventions already have precedents. A lawsuit filed by Indonesian islanders against Swiss cement giant Holcim over rising sea levels is supported by Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER).
The handbook also outlines non-litigious actions, such as questioning financial institutions about their investments and reporting concerns to regulatory bodies. Churches are encouraged to continue divesting from fossil fuels.
