FONO Raises Climate Costs Alert for Pacific Nations

The 2026 Oceania Anglican FONO, held in Vanuatu from 9–12 April, brought together Primates and General Secretaries from Anglican Provinces across Oceania to address urgent regional concerns, with climate justice at the center of discussions.

Church leaders called on the wider Anglican Communion to stand with Vanuatu in supporting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion of 23 July 2025, which upholds the principle that major polluting nations should bear financial responsibility for the damage caused by climate change.

The FONO urged Anglican Churches worldwide to advocate with their governments to honour commitments under the Paris Agreement, particularly Article 9, which requires developed nations to provide financial support for climate mitigation and adaptation in vulnerable developing countries.

For Pacific Island communities already facing rising sea levels, extreme weather, and environmental displacement, this call is both urgent and deeply personal. Leaders emphasized that climate justice must include restoration of ecosystems, stronger disaster preparedness, and protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights and cultural identity.

The FONO also committed to reviewing church investment policies in light of climate justice and agreed to convene a special gathering focused on disaster preparedness and climate resilience across the Pacific.

Additional discussions included the impact of migrant worker schemes and strengthening the network of Pacific Anglican theological education centres.

Read more from the Anglican Communion Office through Anglican Taonga: Anglican Taonga