Church leaders from across the region have launched the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action in Togoru in Navua.
The ceremony, held during the Pacific Church Leaders’ Meeting organised by the Pacific Conference of Churches, highlighted the urgent realities facing coastal communities.
Togoru is experiencing severe coastal erosion, with the sea consuming up to 1.5 metres of land each year, submerging homes, plantations and burial grounds, and forcing relocation plans.
PCC general secretary James Bhagwan said the location underscored the urgency of action.
“We are gathered here because this is one of the most vulnerable communities in Fiji in the context of climate change,” he said, noting how rapidly the coastline has changed in recent years.
World Council of Churches general secretary Jerry Pillay described the visit as deeply meaningful.
“It is so meaningful to be with people, to pray with them, to walk with them, to listen to them, and to know how they are being affected by the climate catastrophe,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Sivendra Michael said the impacts of climate change are already being felt across Fiji.
“The reality is already being lived across Fiji and the Pacific,” he said. “They are affecting our food systems, our water sources, our coastlines, and our livelihoods.”
The launch included prayers, hymns and a call to action urging churches and communities to unite in addressing climate change.
“We invite you to bring your dreams, your voice, and your actions to bear on this groaning world,” the declaration read.
Organisers say the decade-long initiative aims to mobilise churches across the Pacific to drive faith-based climate action and support vulnerable communities on the frontline of environmental change.
