A Call to Solidarity and Action on Climate Justice: Supporting Jubilee 2025
Rooted in Scripture and lived experience, this powerful message from Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon and the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) echoes the urgent appeal of Laudato Si’—to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
In solidarity with communities facing the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, the SSCC calls us to embody the spirit of Jubilee 2025: ecological restoration, economic justice, and a renewed covenant with creation.
Written by Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, General Secretary, South Sudan Council of Churches
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), as a united voice of the Christian faith in our land, issues a sacred call to solidarity and action in response to the urgent climate crisis—rooted in our biblical mandate to care for God’s creation and in support of Jubilee 2025, a global campaign for justice, renewal, and restoration.
Biblical Foundation: Creation, Stewardship, and Jubilee
From the beginning, Scripture affirms the goodness of creation: “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). God entrusted humanity with the care of the earth, commanding us to “till and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). This stewardship is not a privilege, but a sacred responsibility.
In Leviticus 25, the Jubilee year was not only about restoring people—it also included rest for the land: “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers” (Leviticus 25:23).“During the Jubilee year the land is to have a rest” (Leviticus 25:11).
These biblical principles call us to repent from the exploitation of creation and to renew our covenant with the earth and with each other.
Climate Change: A Spiritual and Moral Crisis
In South Sudan, we are witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change—prolonged droughts, floods, displacement, and food insecurity. These are not just environmental challenges, but spiritual and moral issues affecting the lives of the poor, the vulnerable, and future generations. Romans 8:22 reminds us that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth.” Climate change is the groaning of creation under the weight of human sin—greed, neglect, and injustice.
Supporting Jubilee 2025: A Hopeful Response
Jubilee 2025 offers a prophetic and hopeful vision of ecological restoration, economic justice, and debt cancellation, aligned with the Kingdom values of justice, mercy, and peace. As part of this vision, we call for:
- Restoration of ecosystems and protection of land, water, and air.
- Debt cancellation for vulnerable nations burdened by climate-related disasters.
- Equity in climate action, ensuring that the voices of the poor and affected communities like South Sudan are heard.
Our Call to Action
We, the SSCC, urge:
- Churches and faith leaders to preach creation care as a Gospel issue.
- Christian communities to advocate for climate justice and sustainable living.
- International partners to support South Sudan and other vulnerable nations in adaptation and resilience.
- All people of goodwill to pray, act, and raise their voices for Jubilee justice in 2025.
Conclusion
In the spirit of the biblical Jubilee, let us hear creation’s cry and respond with repentance and resolve. Let us proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor—not just for humanity, but for all of God’s creation.
