Faith leaders and advocates worldwide came together on 6 November for a transformative Talanoa Dialogue, organised virtually by the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, co-chaired by the World Council of Churches. The dialogue provided a vital space for interfaith communities to explore shared goals in preparation for COP29, fostering unity around an urgent call for action on climate justice, compassion, and resilience.
Faiths for Earth
Australia – Permanent Home for UN COP Conferences?
The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference commences on Monday, 11 November 2024. Certain geopolitical changes have taken place beforehand, and integrity in the conduct and environment of the Conference Site in Baku, Azerbaijan, have been raised. Here, Bishop Philip Huggins explores issues raised and offers a recommendation that Australia become permanent host of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – the UN COP Conferences.
Daily Prayers and Meditations for Climate Change – COP 29
The 2024 Climate Change Conference will begin in Azerbaijan on November 11. On each day, Prayers and Meditations will be held for the welfare of our Earth and for the welfare of all who have suffered the impact of climate extremes. We will pray for our Earth, we will pray for our Cities, we will pray for our forests, and we will pray for all life-forms on Earth and in the Seas. The weekly prayers up to 5 November have been exceedingly well supported. Now, we continue for the duration of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, daily. All welcome to join.
Survival of planetary life depends on decisions made now
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.
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.
