As The Episcopal Church prepares to participate in the 2025 United Nations climate change conference by uplifting the voices of Indigenous people, churches and dioceses are invited to consider ways members can advocate for climate action locally and globally.
The 30th session of the Conference of Parties of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, also known as COP30, is taking place Nov. 10-21 in Belém, Brazil. Learn about the conference’s priorities and objectives.
Marking the 11th year of Episcopal Church participation, the Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, the church’s interim Indigenous missioner, will attend the conference in support of an Anglican Communion delegation led by Archbishop Marinez Bassotto, primate of the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil. Bassotto advocated for action compelled by hope at a March gathering of church leaders to coordinate engagement efforts for COP30.
“We are looking to partner more closely with those on the front lines of climate change, particularly with Anglican Communion partners,” said the Rev. Lester Mackenzie, chief of mission program. “We aim to lift up the voices of Indigenous siblings for the People’s Summit, recognizing the unique perspective and witness they can offer.”
The People’s Summit, which will take place Nov. 12-16 in Belém, seeks to amplify the experience and witness of Indigenous people, women, youth, traditional communities, and others in the Amazon who are daily impacted by climate change and the battle for territorial rights.
All Episcopalians are encouraged to support and promote global climate justice during and beyond the conference—and to register here for a two-part webinar to learn more about the church’s commitment to creation care and climate justice:
- Oct. 27, 2 p.m. ET: “Climate Action and COP30”
- Dec. 1, 2 p.m. ET: “Climate Action Beyond COP30”
In April, the church’s first eco-region—formed in response to 2024 General Convention legislation—hosted a gathering in Topeka, Kansas, for people interested in creation care issues. More than 130 people registered for the event organized by the Episcopal Grasslands Network, which comprises 12 dioceses in the central and western U.S. The creation of a second eco-region, the East Coast Network—which includes five dioceses in the Northeast—was announced at the event.
Last month, Provinces IV and V and the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio joined with the Procter Center in London, Ohio, to sponsor a “Soil to Soul” creation care gathering. The churchwide event explored spirituality, justice, ecology, discipleship, and evangelism through workshops, outdoor activities, and a farm-to-table Eucharist lunch.
Learn more about The Episcopal Church’s commitment to creation care.
Follow COP30 updates on the Episcopal U.N. Facebook page and on the church’s COP30 webpage.
