Climate Talanoa: justice, inclusion and wisdom
Ron Johnson, Policy Advisor - Church Engagement with UnitingCare Australia, reflects on a recent meeting of Pasika, church and government representatives which gathered to discuss the impacts of climate change across the Pacific region
October 8, 2025
On Thursday 2 October, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli, Synod of NSW and ACT Moderator Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau, Uniting Church leaders and scores of congregation members welcomed the Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change, and Climate Ministers from across the Pacific Nations, who gathered in Sydney for a Climate Talanoa.
This truly inspiring event, held at the Blacktown Regional Uniting Church, was meticulously organised by Thuy Linh Nguyen and the team at Uniting NSW.ACT and the Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT.
The participants gathered to discuss the impacts of climate change across the region, and to continue to build on the joint Australia/Pacific Nations bid to host COP31. As part of the visit, the Climate Ministers and other guests exchanged stories about the impacts of climate change, including in Western Sydney, with leaders of the Uniting Church Pasifika Community.
Some tough questions were put to Minister Bowen, encouraging the Federal Government to go further with their policy agenda on climate change and support for affected communities.
"Together we are called to ensure Australia’s climate leadership is grounded in justice, inclusion, and the wisdom of those most affected."
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
This poignant gathering was preceded by a beautiful Welcome to Dharug Country, smoking ceremony and a worship service. The service featured some inspirational singing, a Blessing by President Suli and a wonderful reflection from Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau, Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT.
The Talanoa amplified the voices of Pasifika communities and highlighted the urgent need to take action for climate justice, especially for those most vulnerable to its impacts. The Talanoa served to strengthen relationships and trust. But, against the backdrop of the recent National Climate Risk Assessment, it also highlighted the need for our political and corporate leaders to be accountable for the decisions they make.
The voices of the Uniting Church community offered reassurance to the Pacific Climate Ministers that we are in solidarity with them, and our struggles are shared.
Speaking after the event, President Charissa Suli reflected:
"The Pacific Climate Roundtable, hosted by Uniting NSW.ACT and the NSW.ACT Synod, reminded us that climate justice is not a local issue but a shared moral responsibility. As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, I see our whole Church — from remote communities to major cities — as part of one body working alongside First Nations and Pacific partners."
"Together we are called to ensure Australia’s climate leadership is grounded in justice, inclusion, and the wisdom of those most affected."
The Uniting Church in Australia stands in solidarity with our First Nations Peoples, our Pacific neighbours and the broader Australian community in calling for bold, equitable climate action. The stories shared at the Talanoa remind us that the climate crisis is not just a future threat – it is a present reality for many.
Photos by Ron Johnson, Uniting Climate and Uniting Church Synod of NSW/ACT
Read more Assembly news
Warning of an ‘apocalypse’ in international aid
Warning of an ‘apocalypse’ in international aid The disturbing and worsening problems of international aid were at the centre of a forum held in Canberra last monthThe global crisis in international aid has reached unprecedented levels, with Uniting Church Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson warning it now resembles an “apocalypse” rather than a temporary downturn.…
UnitingCare Australia advocacy makes an impact
UnitingCare Australia advocacy makes an impactSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.UnitingCare Australia, a key agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today of an additional $11.7 million investment in emergency relief and financial…
Faithful keeper of memory
Faithful keeper of memory Christine Gordon celebrates 25 years preserving the Uniting Church’s story, faithfully safeguarding its history and memory for future generationsThis Friday marks a remarkable milestone for Christine Gordon, who celebrates 25 years as Archivist for the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly, a role she has embraced with passion and unwavering commitment. “I…
Encountering the Living God as we journey toward Easter
Encountering the Living God as we journey toward Easter Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson reflects on encountering the Living God – and invites the Church to seek and trust that presence anew this Easter by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary On Monday evening in Holy Week, I sat in a Eucharistic service followed by the…
President’s Easter Message 2026
Peace BeWith You Easter messages from the President and Moderators of the Uniting Church in Australia In a world that can feel loud, anxious, and divided, Easter arrives with a quiet but powerful word: peace. This Easter, Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, offers a message drawn from the heart…
This is my Uniting Church: South Perth UC
This is my Uniting Church South Perth Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we shine the spotlight on a Uniting Church located in Western Australia. It’s…
ABC interview: Speaking out on Gendered Violence
Speaking out on Gendered Violence Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli recently spoke with ABC Radio on churches’ role in confronting gendered violence and promoting safety, dignity and compassion Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter…
President reflects on Gendered Violence Conference
Gendered Violence Conference: Restoring what has been bent The President offers this pastoral reflection following The Wesley Centre Theology and Culture Conference on the topic of Gendered Violence By Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Last month, I attended the Gendered Violence Conference hosted by Rev Associate Professor Robyn Whitaker,…