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Hosted by the Zentrum für Mission und Ökumene-Nordkirche weltweit, the program explored how Christian mission today can no longer be understood in isolation from the ongoing legacies of colonialism.
In his paper, entitled “Redemption of ecological sins of colonisation: Climate and water justice now!” Suna explored the complex relationship between colonisation and climate change, investigating the historical patterns and modern implications that intertwine these two phenomena.
“By understanding this linkage, we can gain valuable insights into the consequences of colonisation and develop sustainable strategies for the future,” he wrote. “There exists a substantial connection between colonisation and climate change due to historical practices, exploitation of natural resources, and the implications on colonized regions.”
Suna noted the ways in which the legacy of colonisation is still evident today. “The extraction of valuable resources, often accompanied by environmental destruction, has left many regions depleted and vulnerable,” he wrote. “Furthermore, the impact on human dignity cannot be overlooked.”
The institution of slavery, he noted, dehumanized millions of individuals. “Slavery not only violated basic human rights but also perpetuated a cycle of generational trauma and cultural erasure that is still felt today,” he wrote. “The Bible contains numerous teachings on justice, fairness, and the dignity of all humans.”
We can also call colonization a sin, Suna noted. “Addressing this imbalance requires a multifaceted approach,” he wrote. “First and foremost, there is a need for economic restitution.”
