Religious leaders, parishioners and climate action enthusiasts from Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Anglican, Uniting Church and other faith communities united yesterday in the name of clean energy. Source: The Southern Cross.
The national display of unity was part of A Week of Action, organised by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change.
As part of the week-long program held from September 14-24, cathedrals and more than 150 diverse places of worship across Australia unveiled banners, uniting in a message for the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
That message was clear: Australia needs an historic investment in clean energy to enable an urgent transition away from fossil fuels.
Large banners were unveiled at places of worship in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Newcastle, and Brisbane.
Faith leaders led the call for a historic investment in renewables, an end to the coal and gas industry cash splash, changes to environment laws and an urgent fossil fuel phase-out.
In Adelaide, a passionate crowd gathered beneath a banner strung up outside of Pilgrim Uniting Church on Flinders Street.
The words “Solidarity with Pacific neighbours: Fossil fuel treaty now” sent a loud, clear message.
Kaurna Elder Uncle John Lochowiak, head of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Adelaide, launched proceedings with a Welcome to Country, followed by a blessing and speech by Pilgrim Uniting Church minister Reverend John Hughes.
Rev Hughes acknowledged the plight of our nearest neighbours and those in climate vulnerable communities around the world who stand to lose their lands, livelihoods, sense of security, and deep spiritual relationship with land and ocean.
“It is in a shared spirit of compassion and hunger for justice that we here and across the nation call on our country’s leaders to act,” he said.
FULL STORY
Day of Action unites faith communities in response to climate change (The Southern Cross)
