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
Calling for nominations: Women of the Uniting Church
Calling for nominations: Celebrating women of the Uniting Church Help us honour the remarkable women of the Uniting Church this International Women’s Day Celebrating Uniting Church Women for International Women’s Day 2026 Every day, in every place across the Uniting Church, women are leading, empowering and inspiring in our church communities and beyond. To mark…
Focusing our Shared Life on Local Communities Responding to God’s Call
Focusing our Shared Life on Local Communities Responding to God’s Call The Assembly’s new CGRA held its first meeting of 2026 last week, where they explored governance and resourcing reforms to better support local communities responding faithfully and sustainably to God’s call in mission. by Dr Paul Minty, Executive Officer of the Commission…
Assembly's new strategy for 2026–31: Third Strategic Goal explained
The 2026-31 Strategy: Third Strategic Goal explained In this third article on the Assembly’s 2026–31 Strategy, Andrew Johnson reflects on Liberating Justice – renewing the Church’s long-held commitment to confronting injustice through faithful witness, collective action and hope-filled engagement in Australia and the world by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary This year, the National…
Position available: National Director - Frontier Services
The Uniting Church in Australia’s bush ministry agency, Frontier Services, is seeking a National Director to lead its mission supporting remote and regional communities across Australia. This is a rare opportunity to combine values-led leadership, national fundraising accountability and service to some of the country’s most isolated communities.National Director – Frontier…
This is my Uniting Church: Engadine UC
This is my Uniting Church Engadine 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 southern Sydney. It’s on…
Rob Floyd stepping down as National Director of Frontier Services
Rob Floyd to step down from Frontier Services The head of the bush ministry agency will retire from the role in late MarchAfter almost three years as National Director of Frontier Services, Rob Floyd has announced he will step down from the role following the next Board meeting on 31 March. Over the past month,…
Assembly's new strategy for 2026–31: Second Strategic Goal explained
The 2026-31 Strategy: Second Strategic Goal explained As the Assembly launches its new five-year strategy, General Secretary Andrew Johnson introduces the Strategic Goals – in this article, the second called Thriving Communities by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary In 2026, the National Assembly has commenced its new strategy for the period 2026–31, centred on…
Australia Day 2026 Honours for Church members
Australia Day Honours 2026 The UCA congratulates those members of our Church who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the communityThe Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List. From compassionate doctors and dedicated Church Council members to tireless…