The Interreligious Initiative for Forests Is Established in Peru

During a ceremony in Cusco on June 4, 2025, the Interreligious Initiative for Forests was officially constituted. The initiative is a joint effort between communities of faith, academic institutions, political authorities and indigenous peoples to promote the protection of Amazonian forests and defend those who inhabit them. 

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The Initiative in Cusco is made up of representatives of the Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Adventist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bahá’í community, Andean spiritualities and the National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC). 

The event took place in a region that has more than 7.4  million acres of Amazonian forests, representing more than 52% of its territory. Cusco faces a growing threat from deforestation. Religious leaders joined their voices to reaffirm their spiritual and social commitment to preserving the environment. 

 “We are facing a momentous moment that challenges us to assume responsibility for the care and protection of our common home. The earth is the only home we share, and it is our duty to ensure its conservation for present and future generations,” said Laura Vargas, national coordinator of the Interfaith Initiative for Forests Peru. 

The coordinator of IRI Cusco, Francesco Galiano, highlighted the importance of the event as a milestone that articulates spirituality with action in the face of the environmental crisis. Political and academic authorities also participated, including Cusco Congresswoman Ruth Luque, who called for reflection on our commitment to Mother Earth. 

This initiative seeks to be a space for cooperation between communities of faith, civil society, private sector and state entities, oriented toward joint and urgent action for the care of forests and the rights of indigenous peoples. 

The Church of Jesus Christ was represented by the president of the Inti Raymi Stake, Antonio Bello Reina; the first counselor of the presidency of the Cusco Stake, Álvaro Roger Díaz Riquelme; and the director of communication of the Cusco Stake, Roberto Soncco Hilares.