Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to turn Australia’s commitment to its Pacific neighbours into action by backing a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels.
Rev Suli is among 80 senior Australian faith leaders who have signed an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to support a global Fossil Fuel Treaty and a fair, planned transition away from coal, oil and gas.
Launched on Tuesday 6 October, the letter coincides with coordinated public actions by Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and other faith communities in Cairns, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
The call comes as Pacific leaders gather for the COP31 Pre-COP in Fiji and a Leaders’ event in Tuvalu, with Australia holding the significant role of President of Negotiations for COP31.
Rev Suli said Australia must listen to Pacific communities already living with the impacts of climate change and ensure their priorities are heard in global negotiations.
“Being a good neighbour means more than words. It means listening, accompanying one another, and being prepared to act on what we hear,” she said.
“As Australia assumes the role of President of Negotiations for COP31, we have a responsibility to listen carefully to Pacific leadership and to carry those priorities into Australia’s leadership of the negotiations.”
The appeal has particular significance for the Uniting Church, whose life and identity are deeply enriched by Pacific communities and relationships across the region.
Pacific church leaders have called for an immediate halt to fossil fuel expansion, stronger climate finance and compensation, and a greater decision-making role for communities most affected by the climate crisis.
Rev Suli said responding to those voices was ultimately an expression of Christian discipleship.
“For me, this is ultimately about what it means to love our Pacific neighbours. Love is expressed through action and accountability.”
The proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty would provide an international framework to end fossil fuel expansion and manage an equitable global transition away from coal, oil and gas.