Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) National Conference

ARRCC 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. In the past two years, our capacity has grown and our voice has strengthened in the public debate. Local faith groups in many different parts of the country have supported the School Strikers for Climate, held Carols Against Coal, Funerals for Coal, put up “No New Coal” signs outside of places of worship and held workshops on climate-friendly lifestyles.

Come along and meet other people of faith who have been taking action on the climate crisis. The Conference will be an opportunity to hone our skills and capacity to do this more effectively. It will serve to:

1. Build knowledge, skills and confidence to organise at a local level, especially politically (nonpartisan)
2. Inspire people to act on the climate emergency
3. Empower people of diverse faiths to take ARRCC-inspired action together
4. Help form and strengthen active local groups

We will share and learn with the help of inspirational campaigners, skilled community organisers, Aboriginal activists, faith leaders and experts in their fields.

Time and place

Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall St, Barton. 2600.

Program starts 6.30 pm Friday, November 8^th – participants may arrive after 4 pm, and dinner will be served before the conference formally begins.

to 3.30 pm Sunday, November 10^th

A Prayer and Meditation Room will be available on site. Conference participants are very welcome to take time out for prayer or meditation at any time, in accordance with their religious observances.

Conference participants are encouraged to take low-carbon options in travelling to the conference or offset their emissions from travel with Greenfleet.

Catering

All meals and morning and afternoon teas will be provided, except breakfasts. Food will be vegetarian or vegan (to simplify matters). Strictly kosher or halal food can be arranged if requested. Participants are advised that no alcohol will be served at the Conference venue.

If you have further dietary requirements for either medical or religious reasons, please let us know via info@arrcc.org.au when you register, or by October 25th.

Accomodation

The conference does not have any hotel accommodation deal, so please arrange your own accommodation. If cost is a consideration, we recommend that you explore Airbnb or Stayz as options.

We are arranging stays in local people’s homes, but cannot guarantee availability. Please let us know when you register, if you’d either like a bed or can offer one.

Conference outline

Conference participants are welcome to arrive after 4 pm and mingle. Before dinner, there will be a brief ceremony called “Kiddush” to welcome the Jewish Shabbat.

Each morning and afternoon of the conference will begin with prayer or meditation in one of the great religious traditions.

Friday night – Starting 6.30 pm Welcome, including Welcome to Country, introductions, Multi-Faith Prayer and Reflection, Aboriginal struggles to defend country today (especially in relation to mining)

Saturday morning – Academic speakers are Prof Lesley Hughes covering climate science today; Assoc Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Miriam Pepper on religious responses in the Islamic and Christian traditions, and Dr James Whelan facilitating discussion on the special role people of faith can play in addressing the climate emergency.

Saturday evening – Informal conference dinner at the venue

Saturday afternoon and Sunday – A mix of presentations, skills workshops and discussion, and some time spent celebrating and analysis of positive local ARRCC stories. Finishes 3.30 pm.

Josh Creaser from Tipping Point, Tejopala Rawls, Dr James Whelan and Thea Ormerod will facilitate workshops in community organising skills.

There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and contribute, with breaks in which people can network with each other. When you leave, you will be clearer on where you might best contribute in your own contexts.

Details and how to register

Registration of $120 concession, $220 full price, $260 passionate will cover all meals and tea breaks, except breakfasts. Food provided will be vegetarian with vegan options. No alcohol will be served, and a prayer room is available at the venue.

The conference does not have any hotel accommodation deal, so please arrange your own accommodation. If cost is a consideration, we recommend that you explore Airbnb or Stayz as options. For further inquiries contact info@arrcc.org.au.

Click here for details and ways to register.

Download a Brochure for this event