Delegates of churches from 32 European countries and participants from churches from all over the world met in Budapest from 8-12 November 2010 for consultation on the theme "Poverty, Wealth and Ecology in Europe". The consultation was a broad ecumenical process initiated by the General Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Porto Alegre in 2006.
It was criticized of economy over people and creation as a whole. The participants recognized the fundamental interdependence between human societies and the rest of creation and their ultimate dependence on God.
There were discussed the great challenges that call for a great transition. Climate change, limitation of fossil fuels, climate change induced migration, food crisis, water crisis, energy crisis, biodiversity crisis is affecting individuals and states. Climate justice requires social justice and should be a central goal of policy-making.
European countries and the EU should politically and financially support green growth in developing countries. Tax systems must be reformed in order to be at the service of just, participatory and sustainable societies and communities. Prices of goods and services should reflect true social and ecological costs and benefits. Coal-fired power stations and nuclear power stations should be replaced by renewable energy as soon as possible. a redistribution of wealth and income as a key element of environmentally sustainable societies is necessary. The EU should commit itself to more ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets regardless of policies of other large economies.
It was also discussed the encouragement given by God, the Creator. Christians are meant to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world (Mat. 5:13-14). The salvation of mankind is the restoration of a broken relationship with this whole created order. Through the death and power of the resurrection, Jesus Christ has overcome the powers of death and has become our hope. Therefore, the church is called to be a sign of the hope to this world.
European churches decided to be prepared to use their influence and positions; to acknowledge the close link between fight against poverty and the struggle for climate justice; to reflect on the impact of their policies as well as the lifestyles of their members; to be pioneers and examples on the way to sufficiency by implementing practical programmes on reducing CO2 emissions.
Let's hope that this consultation will end up in practical actions.
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