In pursuit of climate justice

This Friday 21 May, Uniting Church members across the country will join with young people at marches and other events calling for a more genuine response to climate change. Hear why some of our young UCA members feel called to take to the streets for the sake of our planet.

Raúl Sugunananthan, President of Christian Students Uniting at the University of Sydney also offers this message. 

To members of the Uniting Church across Australia,

I believe that justice is integral to the identity of the Uniting Church. As Christians, we are called to participate in an upside-down kingdom: a kingdom where the last shall be first and the first shall be last. In our current context, the climate crisis is revealing inequality in how we have organised our societies. The poorest, with the least responsibility for climate change, are being hit the hardest. Australia is one of the world’s biggest polluters and yet we have some of the most unambitious climate policies. As a church within this nation, we must be true to our faith and speak up. As Jesus spoke truth to power and stood with the marginalised, we must pursue environmental justice.

On the 21st May, School Strike 4 Climate are calling on all Australians to demand that our governments take action on climate. They call for support for:

1.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions that guarantee land rights and care for country.
2.  The creation of jobs that fast track solutions to the climate crisis and help communities recover.
3.  Projects that transition our economy and communities to 100% renewable energy by 2030, through expanded public ownership.

In Sydney, Christian Students Uniting, a fellowship of university-aged Christians, are hosting a worship service at Pitt St Uniting Church at 10am, before leading the Uniting Church contingent to the 12pm rally at Town Hall. There are many other ways to participate, including actions across the country.

Sincerely,
Raúl Sugunananthan
President of Christian Students Uniting at the University of Sydney

Read more on the Uniting Earth webpage

Go to the School Strike 4 Climate webpage to find an action near you