Historically, the Council had devoted far more attention to justice and peace than to creation. In giving shape to the new ecumenical discussion of creation a special attempt was made to listen to theologies other than that of the West, with its particular stress on human dominion over creation. Among the voices heard were those of indigenous peoples. Ecumenical awareness of their concerns had been heightened by the presence of indigenous peoples from Canada at the Vancouver assembly and of Aboriginal peoples from Australia at the Canberra assembly in 1991. We are easily overcome by doubts.
Christian hope is a resistance movement against fatalism.
We want to share this hope with all people. We want to learn from their experience and from the hope by which they are sustained in their struggle.