Uniting Church and PNG leaders meet on climate change
A gathering of church and agency leaders has highlighted the power of churches working together to respond to climate change and care for creation
September 7, 2026
Uniting Church and UnitingWorld leaders last week met with counterparts from Papua New Guinea’s seven mainline churches and the PNG Council of Churches for a conversation about the vital role of churches in responding to climate change.
The gathering provided an opportunity for PNG church leaders to share how climate change is already affecting communities across the country, as well as the practical ways churches are responding.
These include initiatives to protect mangrove ecosystems around Port Moresby, alongside efforts to strengthen communities’ resilience and advocate for action on climate change.
The conversation highlighted the important role churches can play at every level – from making changes in homes and congregations, to building relationships with governments, nurturing young people as climate leaders and advocating for policy change.
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Intercultural Ministry and Climate Action Team Leader Rev Alimoni Taumoepeau shared the NSW and ACT Synod’s approach to climate action, including partnerships with government and other faith communities and efforts to develop emerging young climate leaders.
Rev Mosese Taufa shared practical examples from Auburn Uniting Church, including participation in local climate marches, creating greener church gardens and finding smarter ways to use energy.
Thuy Linh Nguyen from Uniting Climate spoke about the growing movement for collective climate action across the NSW and ACT Synod.
Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli and NSW and ACT Moderator Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau reflected on the strength churches can bring when they work together towards a common purpose.
UnitingWorld National Director Dr Sureka Goringe brought a regional perspective, drawing on more than a decade of partnership with Pacific churches in areas including theological education, disaster risk reduction, climate-resilient livelihoods, humanitarian response and advocacy.
The event was facilitated by Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Church Partnership Program (CPP).
The CPP is Australia’s longest-running bilateral program in PNG, supporting the country’s mainline churches to deliver essential services in areas including education, health, peacebuilding and social inclusion. It recognises the central role churches play in the lives of communities across Papua New Guinea.
The gathering was a reminder that churches have both a responsibility and an opportunity to care for creation – and that by working together across communities, countries and denominations, we can help build a more just, resilient and sustainable future.
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