The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting churches, ecumenical partners, and faith-based organizations worldwide to support an open letter backing an OECD complaint submitted by Methodist churches in Colombia, Great Britain, Ireland, and partners concerning HSBC’s financial relationship with Glencore and the Cerrejón coal mine in Colombia.
Signed by WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and sent to HSBC, the open letter expresses solidarity with communities affected by the Cerrejón coal mine in La Guajira, Colombia, and calls for accountability in the financial sector regarding environmental, human rights, and climate impacts.
The OECD complaint was submitted through the UK National Contact Point under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct by Methodist Church of Colombia, Methodist Church of Great Britain, Methodist Church in Ireland, Epworth Investment Management Ltd, and CEPALC (Ecumenical Centre for Communication in Latin America) on 5 June. The complaint raises concerns about the role of financing in supporting activities linked to environmental harm, displacement of communities, water scarcity, and health impacts associated with the Cerrejón mine in Colombia.
The open letter notes that communities in La Guajira have experienced displacement, water insecurity, and health impacts linked to mining activities, while the continued extraction and use of thermal coal contributes to the global climate crisis. The letter also highlights concerns about the effects of climate emergency on vulnerable communities, particularly children and future generations.
Addressed to HSBC, the letter calls on the bank to respond in good faith to the concerns raised by the Methodist churches, commit to immediate cessation of financing new and existing thermal coal mining operations, and engage with affected communities in the La Guajira region regarding fair remediation for the harms caused.
The WCC is encouraging churches and faith-based organizations to add their support to the initiative and to reflect on the role financial institutions play in shaping environmental and social outcomes.