WCC News: European theologians unite to establish ecotheology as academic discipline

Eighty professors, PhDs, and church activists from 27 countries gathered in Stavanger, Norway, from 21-23 September for the first European Christian Ecotheology Research Network conference, marking a decisive step toward institutionalizing ecotheological education as churches worldwide grapple with accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss. VID Specialized University ecotheology students celebrate the Season of Creation with ECErN conference organizers Rev. Dr Tom Sverre Bredal-Tomren and Dr Louk Andrianos in Stavanger, Norway, September 2025. 25 September 2025 The World Council of Churches (WCC) had two key representatives to the inaugural hybrid conference at VID Specialized University. WCC central committee moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm joined online to present "Eco-Theology in the Work of the World Council of Churches in past and present," while Dr Louk Andrianos, WCC consultant on care for creation, sustainability, and climate justice, attended in-person. Andrianos addressed how ecotheological curricula can tackle concepts of ecological sin and redefine sustainability. Conference chair Prof. Rev. Tom Sverre Bredal-Tomren reflected on the gathering's significance. "The time was ripe to gather all the good forces that are concerned with ecotheology in higher education," he said. "Many churches have long been concerned with climate and the environment, but if we are to translate concern for the planet into good theology and good practice, we need both new and innovative thinking and deeper knowledge of ecological resources in our Christian traditions." Bedford-Strohm struck an urgent tone during his presentation. "We know the problem of ecological destruction through science, and we know that it is the result of anthropocentrism exploitation of natural resources," he said. "We have to change the course of our future, like the titanic boat which should change its course before it is too late, but science cannot change the hearts of people. We need religion and we need ecotheology to make the change and to induce metanoia toward eco-conversion." The European Christian Ecotheology Research Network conference was established under the umbrella of the European Christian Environmental Network. Andrianos, who co-organized the event and serves on the European Christian Ecotheology Research Network’s founding board, emphasized that WCC's support reflects the organization's prophetic call to preserve creation's integrity—extending from 1990s assembly declarations through this year's Ecumenical Decade for Climate Justice Action. Bredal-Tomren concluded with an invitation to researchers working on theological research and sustainability education. "In a world situation where many seem to deny that we are in the process of degrading the earth, we, as the core point between science and church, must stand up and take more responsibility. Let's work together." Sustainability and Economy of Life See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland