Faith and labour organizations forge new paths in just transitions (23 May 2024, Rome)

This article presents an overview of the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) participation in the Consultation on Promoting “Care is work, work is care” toward Building a Global Transformative Community and contributing to the global development agenda. The consultation was co-organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the ICMC, and the FOWLS Project.

Faith and labour organizations forge new paths in just transitions

“Just transitions mean ensuring no worker, no community is left behind as we move towards more decarbonised and digitalised economies. It’s about safeguarding the rights of migrants, Indigenous Peoples, children, and other vulnerable groups,” said Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. “The WCC is eager to advance collaboration with the Catholic Church and the International Labour Organisation on promoting dignity in labour, particularly in the face of the climate emergency and the fourth industrial revolution.”

The consultation, convened by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the International Catholic Migration Commission – Future of Worker after Laudato Si’ Project, and the International Labour Organisation, underscored the need for justice in transitions. “Beyond mere technological advancements, a just transition involves a shift in our economic paradigm,” Peralta emphasized during her presentation.

Pierre Martinot-Lagarde, special advisor for Socio-religious Affairs at the International Labour Organisation, highlighted the critical nature of these times, marked by significant demographic, ecological, and migratory challenges. “The Catholic Church has a pivotal role, and we value continuing our dialogue with the WCC to tackle these challenges,” he remarked.

Max Weber, a student from the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey and future representative of the Protestant Church in the Rhineland for the German Protestant Church Assembly 2027 (Kirchentag), emphasized the need for a collective approach to labour challenges. “From global food supply chains to protecting migrants, these issues require new forms of local and global solidarity. We must recognize every person as our neighbour and acknowledge our shared existence on this planet,” he stated.

“Care is Work, Work  is Care –  Building a Global Transformative Community” – Roadmap for a Common Journey

This article was published at the website of the World Council of Churches:

Faith and labour organizations forge new paths in just transitions | World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org)