Directed by Emma Webster and filmed and edited by Martha Bailey, the 17-minute documentary is now available for viewing and is designed to inspire urgent conversations around faith’s role in addressing the climate crisis.
The film, released amid growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation, highlights five key approaches faith communities have taken in combating ecological threats: academic research, education, peaceful activism, disruptive protest, and community building. By showcasing these different paths, the film encourages viewers to reflect on how they can contribute to climate action in their own lives.
A significant aspect of the film is its dedication to Fr Marcelo Pérez SJ, a Tzotzil indigenous Catholic priest from Mexico, who was tragically murdered in October 2024. Fr Pérez had been working with the LSRI on a project exploring the role of faith leaders in defending ecosystems and communities threatened by extractive industries. Dr Séverine Deneulin, Director of International Development at LSRI, expressed deep shock over his death: “Re-reading his interview transcript after the murder gave me chills. He knew the danger he was in, but Laudato Si' gave him so much strength and hope to continue his struggles”.
Faith, Ecology, and Hope not only honours Fr Pérez’s courageous work but also highlights the broader global struggle of environmental defenders. The film encourages viewers to consider how faith communities in the UK and elsewhere can stand in solidarity with these activists fighting for environmental justice.
Filmmaker Emma Webster, who has long sought to shed light on the intersection of faith and climate action, remarked: “Faith can have a real influence on the climate crisis, and this intersection needs much more exposure”. The film begins with Fr Pérez's story and connects it to other powerful narratives of faith-driven environmental advocacy, urging viewers to engage with the climate crisis from a faith-based perspective.
The LSRI hopes that the film will provide both education and inspiration, showing how faith and climate action can go hand-in-hand. Dr. Deneulin emphasised the importance of faith in tackling ecological issues: “We wanted this film to show that social and ecological action is intrinsic to faith in God. The LSRI’s work in integral ecology connects to concrete actions on the ground, and we hope the film will spark further action”.
The film’s release is supported by the Jesuit Fund for Social Justice (JFSJ), a fund dedicated to promoting social action initiatives that address pressing issues like poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation in the UK.
With climate change continuing to impact communities worldwide, Faith, Ecology, and Hope serves as both a call to action and a powerful reminder of the role faith can play in combating one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
For more information about the Laudato Si' Research Institute, click here.
Banner photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash
