As the Season of Creation comes to a close and as the world anticipates the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), we are encouraging UCA congregations and members to add their voices to those calling for urgent action on the climate crisis.

Here are some key opportunities in October to get involved, as an expression of the care for God's creation which is core to our faith.

Across the country on 15 October, people will join both in person and online to call for climate justice and more robust policy to address the climate crisis as part of the global youth-led School Strike 4 Climate movement. Actions are expected to take place in over 25 locations including every capital city.

The movement calls for an urgent pivot away from gas and fossil fuels, funding for a transition to renewable energy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions, and funding for secure jobs that fast-track solutions and assist community recovery.

Tune in to this upcoming forum on 6 October organised by the Synod of NSW/ACT and Uniting (NSW.ACT) to explore why the Uniting Church supports the School Strike 4 Climate.

Register to join a School Strike 4 Climate action in your capital city:
Adelaide: 11am, Victoria Square
Brisbane: 1pm, Queens Gardens
Darwin: 11:30am, Civic Park
Hobart: 12pm, Regatta Grounds
Perth: 11am, Parliament House
Sydney: 3pm, online
Melbourne: 2pm, online
Canberra TBC.

For updates and for information about actions in other locations see the School Strike 4 Climate website. Join the conversation online using #ClimateStrike.

People of faith all over the world will take part in the global multi-religious Faiths 4 Climate Justice Action organised in Australia by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change on 17 and 18 October.

The event is timed for maximum impact two weeks before global climate negotiations are due to take place in Glasgow. Globally, the event is calling for bold climate action by 2030 with no new investments in coal or gas and a move to 100% solar and wind power.

Over two days, people are invited to take part in actions at places of worship (Sunday) and then at the offices of political leaders (Monday) to send a message that protecting the planet is an urgent priority for people of faith.

You can also join the final Global Organising call on Friday 1 October, to hear from grassroots activists about important actions happening around the world and learn how to get involved. 12pm AEST, 11.30am ACST, 10am AWST. Register here.

This year one of the key vehicles for climate messaging will be banners calling for climate action to be displayed at places of worship. Find out more and order your banner here.

Share photos and videos and join the conversation online using #Faiths4ClimateJustice.

Go to the ARRCC website to register your action or find one near you, and for resources and training opportunities.

Other opportunities

NIFEA E-Conference: Degrowth - Living Sufficiently and Sustainably (1 October)

The Council for World Mission, through its NIFEA program, has organised an e-Conference to address contradictions between modern society’s preoccupation with economic growth and the ecological limits of our only planetary home. It will explore models of life that meet the needs of all people whilst nurturing the environment, and strategies faith communities can employ for just transition to a life-affirming economy where all of God’s creation can flourish.

The conference will take place across two sessions (10-12 CEST and 2-4 CEST). In Australian time:
First session: 6pm AEST, 5.30pm ACST, 4pm AWST.
Second session: 10pm AEST, 9:30pm ACST, 8pm AWST.

WA Faiths for Climate Justice Action