Together we marched for climate justice

The state and national councils of the Uniting Church in Australia officially supported the People’s Climate Marches that took place around Australia and the world on 29 November.

A prayer service was held before the march at Pitt Street Uniting Church where Rev. Margaret Mayman was joined by Pastor Ray Minniecon (of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress), Rev. Elenie Poulos of (UnitingJustice Australia), Rev. Dr Brian Brown, the Fiji Parish Choir and many UCA members — particularly from Pacific Island communities whose homelands are among the most threatened by climate change.

The marches highlighted public concern about climate change as world leaders gather in December for UN climate talks in Paris.

The National Director of UnitingJustice Australia, Rev. Poulos urged the Australian Government to increase its commitment to global efforts to address climate change.

“Australia’s announced emissions reduction target of 26–28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, remains well short of the level that experts say is required to reverse the effects of climate change,” said Rev. Poulos.

“There’s still time for the Australian Government to put a more ambitious target on the table in Paris. We should be doing what we can to encourage our Government to aim higher.”

UCA President Stuart McMillan emphasised how the marches made clear our firm bond with threatened neighbours, near and far. “This is also for us an important action we take in solidarity with our Pacific and other international partner churches.”

UnitingWorld National Director Rob Floyd says partner churches across the Pacific will welcome the support for a stronger global response.

“Small island states are already suffering the impacts of climate change and we need a concerted international response to address this very real threat to humanity,” he said.

To access all the news, videos and pictures from the event use the hashtag #PeoplesClimate online.

Common Grace has created a video of the day. View it here.

(Pictured in gallery) Marchers gather on the steps of St Mary’s, Moderator Rev. Myung Hwa Park with Liuanga Palu of Marrickville Uniting Church, the Moderator with Pastor Ray Minniecon, Rev. Elenie Poulos, Director of UnitingJustice and Rev. Margaret Mayman from Pitt Street Uniting Church.