Faithful advocacy at the Heart of Climate Action Roundtable

More than 80 people from across the Uniting Church gathered online in late May for the first Assembly Net Zero Emissions Steering Group Roundtable of 2026, exploring how faith communities can strengthen their advocacy for climate justice.

The roundtable focused on practical ways church members, congregations and communities can engage with wider Uniting Church initiatives and campaigns working towards a more just and sustainable future.

Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli opened the gathering, inviting participants to reflect on the Church’s ongoing responsibility to care faithfully for God’s creation and discern how that calling is lived out in the face of today’s environmental challenges.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Rev Meredith Williams, President of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC). Rev Williams highlighted the strong connection between faith and action, noting that climate advocacy is deeply aligned with the Uniting Church’s commitment to confronting injustice and standing alongside vulnerable communities.
Particular attention was given to the impacts of climate change on First Peoples and Pacific Island nations, many of whom are already experiencing the devastating consequences of rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather events.

Rev Williams outlined several key priorities currently being pursued by ARRCC and its partners. These include support for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, an initiative championed by Pacific nations seeking an internationally coordinated phase-out of fossil fuels. Participants also heard about opportunities to integrate this advocacy into preparations for COP31, including a pre-COP gathering to be hosted by Tuvalu and Fiji, and ongoing efforts to encourage the Australian Government to commit to ending fossil fuel expansion and exports.

Church members, congregations, agencies, schools, Presbyteries and Synods were encouraged to support the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign and contribute to the growing movement for climate action.

Participants then heard from Thuy Linh Nguyen of Uniting NSW.ACT and Rev Moni Taumoepeau from the Synod of NSW and ACT, who introduced advocacy approaches developed through the VAKA training program held earlier this year.
Central to the VAKA approach is the importance of building relationships and strengthening community connections. In breakout groups, participants shared stories of climate justice initiatives taking place in their own contexts and explored possibilities for future action. Discussions revealed a diverse range of activities already underway across congregations and cultural communities, with many participants expressing a desire to continue building momentum and keeping climate justice visible within church life.

The annual Season of Creation, celebrated by churches around the world each September, was identified as a significant opportunity for congregations to combine prayer, worship and advocacy. Participants discussed how the season could be used to raise awareness of the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign and support calls for just outcomes for Pacific nations at COP31.

The roundtable also welcomed Leigh Newton from South Australia, who shared insights into the work of the Rising Tide movement. Leigh spoke about the movement’s commitment to non-violent action aimed at securing a phase-out of fossil fuels and upholding the goals of the Paris Agreement. Participants heard about recent actions focused on challenging coal exports from Newcastle Harbour and encouraging broader public engagement with climate issues.

The final presentation came from Deepthi Mathew of Uniting NSW.ACT, who focused on the importance of sustaining one another in what can often be demanding advocacy work. Deepthi highlighted the need for mutual encouragement, shared learning and opportunities to connect with others engaged in climate justice ministry.

Particular attention was given to the Uniting Climate Action Network (UCAN), whose monthly Online Communities of Practice gatherings bring together people from across the Uniting Church to share theological reflections, practical resources and information about upcoming campaigns and events. What began as a NSW and ACT initiative is increasingly becoming a national forum for climate advocates across the Church.

The Online Communities of Practice meets on the third Thursday of every month from 7–8.30pm. For further details on this and other related UCAN activities, email advocacy@uniting.org