Faith Leaders Speak Out on Divestment and Climate Justice
As the world gathers in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, faith leaders from across the globe are raising their voices in unity. From Italy to Germany to Canada, they are declaring that fossil fuel divestment is not only a financial choice — it is a moral responsibility rooted in faith, justice, and care for our Common Home.
At a time when climate impacts are accelerating — floods, fires, and heatwaves affecting millions — these leaders remind us that faith must guide our response. The call to ecological conversion, inspired by Laudato Si’, echoes through their words: we must act not only for the planet, but for the people who call it home.
A Moral Choice: Faith Illuminates Every Aspect of Life
Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, Archbishop of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Montalcino and Bishop of Montepulciano-Chiusi-Pienza, captures the spiritual depth of this decision:
“Our commitment to divestment is not only an economic decision, but also a moral one: a testimony that faith must illuminate every aspect of life, including the way we care for our Common Home. Decarbonization is an act of justice, of love for the poor, and of hope for future generations.”
In his words, the act of divesting from fossil fuels becomes a modern expression of the Gospel — a living sign of love for creation and solidarity with those suffering from the effects of environmental degradation. He reminds us that dependence on fossil fuels causes not only pollution, but also global conflict and inequality.
Ecological Conversion in Action
From the heart of Italy, Archbishop Paolo Giulietti of Lucca emphasizes that ecological conversion must begin with concrete community action:
“The Church’s commitment to a serious ecological conversion, aimed at protecting the earth and its creatures, also involves specific community decisions that improve institutional practices and inspire personal decisions.”
His words reflect a growing movement within the Church: one that integrates sustainability into diocesan life — from renewable energy projects to fossil-free investment portfolios. For Giulietti, divestment is not just about money — it is about forming communities that live in harmony with creation and mirror the Creator’s love.
Responsible Finance as a Form of Witness
In Germany, Dr. Jörg Mayer, Chair of the Arbeitskreis Kirchlicher Investoren (AKI), underscores the ethical dimension of how faith institutions manage their financial resources:
“Investing money does not mean abdicating responsibility. On the contrary: by excluding companies that profit from coal or unconventional oil and gas, we assume responsibility before God and humanity for what happens to our money.”
This is a reminder that faith and finance are not separate realms. The AKI and Protestant institutions in Germany have adopted ethical investment guidelines rooted in Christian values, excluding harmful industries and rewarding companies with science-based climate targets.
Their approach embodies the principles of what they call “impact-oriented investing” — investing not only to avoid harm but to actively advance creation care and intergenerational justice.
Standing with the Global South
For Fr. Thomas Hollweck SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits in Central Europe, the moral urgency is personal and global:
“Climate change threatens our environment and life on our planet. Those particularly affected are the poorer people in the Global South, who contribute least to the causes of climate change and have only limited means to protect themselves.”
He calls on European institutions to act in solidarity with the most vulnerable, acknowledging the imbalance between those who cause the climate crisis and those who bear its heaviest burdens.
By divesting from fossil fuels, the Jesuits are not only reforming their financial practices — they are standing alongside communities most impacted by the ecological crisis and affirming their commitment to justice across generations.
Faith for a Borderless Climate Justice
Heike Hardell, Senior Church Councillor and Finance Director for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Germany (Nordkirche), offers a clear message of responsibility and hope:
“We do not invest in the destruction of creation, but in its preservation. As a Church, we also want to send a signal: for an economy that promotes life, for climate justice that knows no borders.”
Her words capture the essence of Christian stewardship — the conviction that Earth has been entrusted to humanity not for exploitation, but for care.
Faith Communities Leading Where Governments Lag
Lorna Gold, Executive Director of Laudato Si’ Movement, celebrates this historic moment:
“Fossil fuel divestment is a moral imperative in response to the growing climate crisis. As governments continue to fall short, it is hugely encouraging to see faith groups taking the lead.”
Indeed, faith institutions have become pioneers of change. Over 600 faith-based organizations worldwide have committed to divestment and a growing number are redirecting assets toward clean energy and sustainable development.
Their leadership speaks volumes: while political processes struggle to move, faith communities are showing what ecological conversion looks like in practice — a movement from prayer to policy, and from words to witness.
A Kairos Moment for the Whole Church
The World Council of Churches, has described this time as a “kairos moment” — a decisive turning point in the struggle for ecological justice. WCC’s General Secretary Revd Prof Dr. Jerry Pillay says:
“People of faith must ensure they are not complicit with the very causes of the climate emergency. Verifying that our banks, pensions, and insurances do no harm is a moral imperative towards children and future generations.”
His appeal highlights the importance of transparency and ethical oversight in all institutions. The WCC’s stance reminds us that climate action begins with integrity, and that even simple financial decisions can echo far into the future.
Hope in Every Action
For Revd Dr. Rachel Mash of Green Anglicans, the divestment movement is a source of hope amid global uncertainty:
“In the face of so much bad news, we celebrate the commitment of 62 faith institutions to divest. Every action matters… every choice matters.”
She quotes Dr Katharine Hayhoe, who uses the image of a giant boulder already rolling downhill — propelled by millions of hands pushing for change. Faith institutions joining the divestment movement add strength and momentum to that boulder, demonstrating that collective action can transform despair into hope.
A Canadian Witness
In Canada, Agnes Richard, Canada Chapter Animator for Mouvement Laudato Si’ Movement – Canada, welcomes the leadership of the Archdiocese of Gatineau:
“We must be continually vigilant that business as usual from a highly polluting energy sector can no longer continue and must be discouraged at every opportunity.”
Their decision, made nearly a decade ago and reaffirmed today, shows that long-term commitment to climate justice is possible and powerful. It is a reminder that faith-based institutions can remain steadfast even in regions economically tied to fossil fuels.
Faith-Filled Finance: A New Path Forward
As outlined in the Guidelines for Ethically-Sustainable Investment in the German Protestant Church, a climate-sensitive investment strategy is not just financial — it’s a reflection of Christian values:
“Stopping the climate crisis is of particular importance… It is about respect for all life, responsibility toward those who suffer most, and care for future generations.”
This statement encapsulates the heart of today’s faith-based climate action: to love creation means to transform the systems that harm it.
Investing in Hope
From Italy to Canada, from Germany to the Global South, these voices unite around one conviction: divesting from fossil fuels is an act of faith, hope, and love.
take a look to the original press release and share this news