What happened in the Uniting Climate Action Network month of action?

In February and March, the Uniting Climate Action Network wrote in Synod Spotlight about an upcoming month of action. We were asking for Uniting Church members who would help engage their congregations in taking some simple steps to highlight the need for climate action in the lead up to the federal election. The aim was to demonstrate to our political leaders that Uniting Church people care deeply about creation, and climate action that leaves no one behind.

What happened? Well, there was a wonderful response, not only from people we already knew were motivated about these issues, but from others as well. Over the four weeks, members from 46 Uniting Church congregations (mostly in NSW and the ACT, but also Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania) were involved in at least one and usually more than one of the actions. This included:

• 40 congregations who displayed climate banners. Many took photos of the congregation with the banner and posted on social media
• About 20 congregations sent banner pictures and a letter explaining why care for creation mattered to them, to their local MP. One MP said he found the picture of the congregation with the banner a compelling message in itself.
• 25 congregation sent 550 postcards to their local MPs and candidates calling for government support for home electrification, especially for low-income households and renters
• Members of 20 congregations took yard signs in support of renewable energy to display in their yards and windows

Apart from sending a clear message to our leaders, were there any other benefits?

Yes, participants said they felt good knowing that many other congregations were taking similar faith-based action at the same time. They said it was encouraging to feel connected to others. Some said how it helped build their relationship with local MPs. One minister told us that the month of action had been a means for the congregation to reengage with social issues and social action. Another person was prompted to re-start a congregational social justice group.

For members of the Uniting Advocacy team, it was a great opportunity to have personal contact and conversation with many grassroots Uniting Church members. For some, this was a new venture. Many others we learned, had been concerned about and taking action on climate as part of their faith for years, some for decades. It was a privilege to meet and do what we could to support them in this aspect of mission.

If anyone would like to know more about the month of action, or the Uniting Climate Action Network, please contact the Uniting Advocacy team at advocacy@uniting.org. 

Jon O’Brien
Social Justice Advocate
Uniting