Bishop Philip Huggins writes from the Riverina region of NSW, Australia, on a farm which is part of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. We are helping with plantings which take account of climate change. See https://www.bct.nsw.gov.au/. He writes that he is meeting wonderful people who are doing what they can to transition to renewables and help this area respond to current realities of climate change.
Faiths for Earth
Climate Talanoa
Climate solidarity: Talanoa with Climate activists from Tuvalu and Kiribati. This is a collaboration between Edmund Rice Center with Uniting Mission and Education (UME) and Rodger Page Congregation (Auburn Parish) NSW & ACT Synod, Uniting Church in Australia.
Reflection on Trust and UNCOP29
As the world approaches the next Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, disputes and war surrounds the region of the conference, called COP29. Bishop Philip Huggins of Melbourne is a member of the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC (the body that holds the climate conferences). Here, Bishop Huggins offers a reflection on trust – particularly the international dimension of trust – as we continue our service and advocacy in ways that give hope and build trust.
COP29 Interfaith Call to Action
The Interfaith Liaison Committee to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has issued a Call to Action. The Call to Action commences,
We stand at a crossroads, facing an existential threat to life on Earth as we know it. The urgency to act cannot be overstated. As people of faith from diverse traditions, we believe the climate emergency must be addressed on a moral level, with decisions driven by honesty, compassion, courage, trust, and foresight. The survival of our planet and future generations depends on the choices made today.
A Peacemaking Suggestion
A suggestion has come to mind about walking together for world peace. When Australians what to change something, they get together, make their placards about peace, and walk together purposefully. We have done this earlier, with our interfaith and multifaith friendship walks, as Bishop Philip Huggins recalls. Perhaps we could walk again – in these days of a fractured world. A meditative exploration follows … Silent, Meditative Multi Faith Peace Walks?
On the Margins of the Summit of the Future 2024:
Interfaith Youth Responses to the Century’s Biggest Challenges: Faith-Based Contributions to the Summit of the Future … as pivotal agents of change, youth are essential to the achievement of our shared goals for a safe, resilient, and sustainable future for all humanity. This side event of the Summit of the Future enables Interfaith Youth to be heard and the consideration of the crucial role of youth in building communities of the future.
Faith-based Solutions for the Pact for the Future and Beyond
Faith-based Solutions ImPACT Coalition – Summit of the Future Action Days Off-site Side Event is co-sponsored by UNEP and the UN Multi-faith Advisory Council. The subject of this coalition event is “Faith-based Solutions for the Pact for the Future and Beyond”. It will be held on 20 September 2024 | 9:30-11:00 am at the Hybrid, Church Center for the United Nations (777 UN Plaza) | 2nd Floor.
Cultivating a Culture of Peace: World Day of Peace 2024
The International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations observance every year on 21 September. The theme for World Peace Day 2024 is Cultivating a Culture of Peace. Religions for Peace Australia actively seeks peace in our nation Australia, and in the World.
Day of Action unites faith communities in response to climate change
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 moving Welcome to Country, followed by a blessing and speech by Pilgrim Uniting Church Minister Reverend John Hughes.
Faith Communities Call For Historic Investment In Clean Energy And Phase Out Of Fossil Fuels
The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change will conduct a national day of action next Tuesday, 17th September, part of a Multi-Faith Faiths 4 Climate Justice Week of Action 14 – 24 September. Religious leaders and people from Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Anglican, Uniting Church and other faith communities will be participating.
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change: Conference 2024
The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) warmly invites you to participate in their second national Conference, from 4-6 October, 2024, Strathfield, NSW.
The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change has a unique role in Australia in bringing together diverse people of faith as witnesses to both our common humanity and respect for the earth.
Groups and communities in many different parts of the country have supported ARRCC’s work on Faiths 4 Climate Justice, ethical investment, solidarity with First Nations people and challenging new coal and gas projects.
Inner Peace and Outer Peace
Bishop Philip Huggins attends an international multifaith retreat at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre, in Nuneham, England. Here, Bishop Huggins recalls several individual actions that contribute to a global response to the climate, human flourishing and interfaith collaboration for the welfare of our home, Earth.