At the first International Conference on Phasing Out Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa of Panama—also second vice president of CELAM—posed a question that stirs the soul: "Are we truly willing to change?" His address at the Spirituality Gathering was a firm call to transform economic models that harm creation.
Ulloa didn't just denounce unchecked extractivism; he invited the church and society to reflect on their responsibility for caring for our common home. Citing the cry of the earth and the poor, the Panamanian prelate reminded us that the ecological crisis is, above all, a spiritual crisis.
"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord" (Psalm 33:5, NIV).
This verse reminds us that creation is a divine gift, not a resource to be exploited without limits. The conference, bringing together religious leaders, scientists, and politicians, seeks concrete paths to move beyond fossil fuels.
Extractivism: A Structural Sin
Extractivism is not just an economic model; it's a mindset that prioritizes profit over people and the planet. Ulloa described it as a "structural sin" that perpetuates injustice and inequality. In Latin America, where mining and oil extraction have devastated communities, his message is especially relevant.
The Santa Marta Conference is a milestone: for the first time, spiritual leaders sit at the table with climate experts to design a just transition. Ulloa insisted this transition must be inclusive, protecting the most vulnerable.
The Voice of Indigenous Peoples
During the meeting, indigenous representatives shared their experiences of resistance and care for the land. Ulloa called them "guardians of creation" and urged that their wisdom be heard. Ancestral knowledge, he said, teaches us to live in harmony with nature—something the modern world has forgotten.
The archbishop also recalled the words of Pope Francis, who in his encyclical Laudato Si' denounced the "throwaway culture." Though Pope Francis passed away in April 2025, his legacy lives on. The current Pope, Leo XIV, has affirmed his commitment to integral ecology.
What Does the Bible Say About Caring for Creation?
Scripture is filled with passages calling us to be faithful stewards of the earth. In Genesis 2:15 (NIV), we read: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." We were not given dominion to destroy, but to care.
The prophet Isaiah also warns: "The earth dries up and withers; the world languishes and withers; the heavens languish with the earth" (Isaiah 24:4, NIV). This prophetic lament resonates today as we see forests felled, rivers polluted, and species extinct.
Ulloa cited the Gospel of Matthew: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9, NIV). Making peace with creation is part of the Christian mission.
A Call to Personal and Community Action
Ulloa's question challenges each of us: are we willing to change? Change begins in small things: reducing consumption, recycling, supporting clean energy. But it must also be communal: demanding that governments adopt policies that protect the environment and that companies respect human rights.
The local church has a key role. Parishes can be spaces for ecological education and promoting sustainable lifestyles. At EncuentraIglesias.com, we believe faith and life are connected; that's why we encourage you to find a community that
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