Faiths 4 Climate Justice 2022_Multi-Faith Service - 13th October 2022

We’re excited to be getting so close to this year’s Faiths 4 Climate Justice events. On Thursday, 13th October, we want to let the Federal Government know the extent of faith support for climate justice ‘asks’. ARRCC will publish an open letter signed by very high-level faith leaders across Australia and the Pacific; grassroots people of all faiths or none are invited to pray for a safe climate and to show support for their message at Multi-faith Services in Cathedrals and other places of worship across Australia.

If you can, please come along to the Multi-faith Service to be held:

Where: St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth

When: Thursday, 13th October, starting 9.30 am

We’d really like you to let your friends and networks know about it. Let’s show solidarity with our neighbours in the Pacific and Australian First Nations peoples.

The service will feature music, chanting, meditation and prayers from a range of faith traditions. Contact person: Geoff Bice arrccwa@msn.com

Here is the Facebook event which could be shared: https://www.facebook.com/events/435829741978094

Event webpage: https://www.arrcc.org.au/perth_f4cj_multi_faith_service

Flyer: Download the flyer here.

What we’re advocating for

The open letter asks the Government to:

• Stop approving new coal and gas projects
• End public subsidies for coal and gas projects
• Actively participate in creating a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to phase out fossil fuels
• Fully respect First Nations peoples’ rights to protect Country
• Re-start contributions to the United Nations Green Climate Fund
• Help workers in extractive industries prosper with more sustainable jobs

The letter and various events will be part of the global Faiths 4 Climate Justice (F4CJ) campaign, involving diverse communities of faith around the world in the lead-up to COP 27 in November. Our common theme is the promotion of an international Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and national policies consistent with such a Treaty. A Treaty of this kind would mean governments would agree not only to stop burning coal, oil and gas but to agree to a just plan to phase out digging them up in the first place.

Thank you for spreading the word!

ever onwards!

Thea

ARRCC
http://www.arrcc.org.au/

On 13 October 2022, multifaith services were held across Australia to raise awareness of climate change and to seek greater commitment from the Australian government to stop new fossil fuel developments.

St Mary’s Cathedral hosted the Perth service, where prominent Western Australian religious leaders from different faiths represented a united front to call for stronger climate action. In attendance were:

• Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral.
• The Most Rev Bishop Don Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth.
• Rev Mitchell Garlett, Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress WA.
• Rev Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, Trinity Uniting Church in the City.
• Venerable Ajahn Brahmali, Bodhinyana Theravada Buddhist Monastry.
• Rev Mujyo Williams, Head Priest at Kozanji Rinzai Zen Temple.
• Shri Damji bhai Koria, President of the Hindu Council of Australia Perth Chapter.
• Dr Rateb Jneid, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
• Dr Al Riebau, Chairperson of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai’s of Wanneroo.
• Susy Thomas, Moderator of the Uniting Church WA.
• Rev Dr Christy Capper, Deputy Warden Wollaston Theological College of the Anglican Diocese.

Cathedral Dean Fr Sean Fernandez was the presiding celebrant of the service and a Welcome to Country was delivered by Rev Mitchell Garlett. Rev Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams shared during the service that amongst the Indigenous Peoples around the world, those living in the Pacific are among the hardest hit by the climate crisis. “Ocean acidification, overfishing, droughts, and super storms are devastating their food sources. Sea level rise is threatening their homes and, with them, their belonging to the land, their culture, and survival as nations.”

Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton led the Christian Prayer for our earth, which was earlier published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si. “All powerful God, You are present in the universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness, all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with your peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.”

We’re excited to be getting so close to this year’s Faiths 4 Climate Justice events. On Thursday, 13th October, we want to let the Federal Government know the extent of faith support for climate justice ‘asks’. ARRCC will publish an open letter signed by very high-level faith leaders across Australia and the Pacific; grassroots people of all faiths or none are invited to pray for a safe climate and to show support for their message at Multi-faith Services in Cathedrals and other places of worship across Australia.

Click here to Read More…

ARRCC
http://www.arrcc.org.au/