Banners stating “Good jobs in clean energy. Nobody left behind” will adorn Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle as part of a nationwide campaign.
On Tuesday 17 September, cathedrals and more than 150 diverse places of worships are sending a united message to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton that Australia needs an historic investment in the industry to enable an urgent transition away from fossil fuels.
Apart from Newcastle, the Faiths 4 Climate Justice Week of Action – organised by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) – is also taking place in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.
A video statement addressing Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton features nine senior faith leaders outlining a list of policies requested by faith communities, too.
However, investing in clean energy on an unprecedented scale is key.
And, Director of Mission at the Diocese of Newcastle Father Rod Bower, along with Mayfield Mosque’s Imam Mohamed A Mohamed, is leading the call for climate justice.
“We, as Newcastle Anglicans, are committed to treating this land with great respect by operating in an environmentally responsible manner,” he said.
“We need our leaders to make the same commitment.
“We know that climate change threatens humanity and our planet.
“We also know there are enormous economic opportunities if we invest seriously in clean energy.
“We need our leaders to have a real plan for clean jobs in the Hunter, that ensures a just transition for people and organisations to the use of renewable energy.”
The Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, Jeremy Greaves, wants an end to taxpayer hand-outs to fossil fuel companies.
“We must stop giving about $11 billion of public money annually to the coal and gas industries,” he said.
“They have enough of their own.
“There is a cost-of-living crisis.
“So, we’re asking the Prime Minister to put that instead into his new plan for clean sources of energy and creating good jobs.
“Let’s do this in a way that leaves no one behind.”
The leaders and faith communities are also seeking an urgent phase-out of fossil fuels.
“Scientists tell us we cannot afford any more coal and gas projects – anywhere,” Bishop Hans Christiansen from the Anglican Archdiocese of Perth said.
“So, we’re calling on both leaders to stop allowing new gas fields, especially those looking beyond 2050.
“The situation is far too urgent for that. Gas is not the answer.”
But, there’s a special message for Mr Dutton, too: nuclear is not the answer.
“That would cause dangerous delays when we’re in an urgent crisis, leading us to use a lot more gas in the meantime,” president of the Uniting Church in Australia Reverend Charissa Suli said.
“That would mean billions of tonnes more climate pollution.”
Reverend Havea Hilliau agreed.
“There are more people suffering in heat waves, floods and droughts,” he said.
“People on low-lying islands – like my family members in the Pacific – are at great risk of seeing their homes go underwater.
“We need to reduce climate pollution right now… not later.”
For more news stories:
- Election update: Kerridge in box seat, Suvaal concedes
- Jury unable to reach verdict for alleged Singleton toddler-killer
- NSW’s first openly transgender woman elected into office in Newy
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
