
The recent Lausanne Congress, held in September 2024 in Incheon, South Korea, placed faith at the core of its discussions, with notable speakers like Dr. Katharine Hayhoe emphasizing the integration of faith and environmental stewardship. Hayhoe, a leading climate scientist and Christian, stressed that caring for creation is not just about environmentalism but is deeply rooted in Christian values of justice, love, and compassion. She pointed out that climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, and thus, taking action is a moral imperative for Christians.
In her address, Hayhoe underscored the interconnectedness of creation, citing Scripture to argue that God cares deeply about all aspects of nature. She referenced Genesis, where humans are given dominion over the Earth, explaining that the original Hebrew term for dominion, “radah,” emphasizes responsibility rather than dominance. This reinforces the Christian calling to protect creation as an expression of love for God and others. Hayhoe also framed climate change as an issue of justice, particularly highlighting how environmental degradation exacerbates poverty, hunger, and displacement, affecting communities in developing countries the most.
This message resonated with the broader themes of the conference, where speakers encouraged the global church to unite in reflecting Christ through both word and action. The discussions underscored that addressing global challenges, including climate change, is not just a scientific or political issue but a matter of faith and moral responsibility. For Christians, Hayhoe’s call to action serves as a reminder that environmental stewardship is a reflection of God’s glory, aligning with the Lausanne Movement’s mission to mobilize the global church in service to the world.
Source: China Christian Daily; Lausanne.org