Uniting Climate Action Network- Month of Action - Week 1 Update
The Uniting Church has, since its beginning, had a strong commitment to care for creation. In the last decades, as our scientific knowledge has expanded, that has evolved into deep concern about the issue of global warming and the harmful and sometimes devastating extreme weather that it causes.
The Uniting Church has, since its beginning, had a strong commitment to care for creation. In the last decades, as our scientific knowledge has expanded, that has evolved into deep concern about the issue of global warming and the harmful and sometimes devastating extreme weather that it causes.
With a Federal election on the horizon, we know that political candidates will want to know about the issues their voters care about. This is an opportunity for Uniting Church members to name the issues that concern them, and in so doing bear witness to the faith convictions and the Gospel message that underlies those concerns.
There are many ways to do that. In the lead up to the federal election the Uniting Climate Action Network (UCAN) is encouraging Uniting Church congregations to be involved in a month of action. Each week, congregations take a relatively simple action that draws attention to the need for a stronger response to climate change, regardless of who forms the next federal government.
Last weekend, over 30 Uniting Church congregations, hung up a banner with a message calling for climate action. The messages on the banners varied, but they all expressed a desire for strong and positive action to address this great challenge- one that cyclone Alfred has reminded us has not gone away. The collage below shows just some of the banners with members of the congregations.
Not that big a deal you say?
When we show our community that we care about action on climate change, it encourages others to do the same. Enthusiasm and hope, as well as despair, are infectious. People come to care about what their neighbours care about. Small actions, multiplied all over the community, create a ripple effect that builds momentum,
As respected climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe (also a person of faith) has written:
"No matter what our place in society, important problems don’t get fixed until enough ordinary people mobilise to take action."
The congregations featured above have decided to be part of the fixing. Many others not pictured are doing the same. (Around 110 Uniting Churches in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia have climate banners).
In the coming week congregations will be writing to their local members of Parliament, with their banner photo, about why they have a climate banner and what makes them concerned about the issue. Other actions will follow.
If you or your congregation would like to be involved in the UCAN month of climate action, please reach out to me at jrow@uniting.org.au or on 0403 242 360.
In hope & action,
Jono Row
Uniting Advocacy team
Want to be part of this work for a better climate future?
Register as a captain for your congregation with our signup form here.
No matter what our place in society, important problems don’t get fixed until enough ordinary people mobilise to take action.
