Living Sustainably
In its first public statement in 1977, the Uniting Church in Australia expressed what would be an abiding concern with the wellbeing of the planet for the rights of future generations:
'we are concerned with the basic human rights of future generations and will urge the wise use of energy, the protection of the environment and the replenishment of the earth’s resources for their use and enjoyment.'
The natural environment is, however, not merely a resource for the benefit of human beings but has intrinsic value as part of God’s good creation. In 1991 the Uniting Church declared that, 'Nature has a right to the protection of its eco-systems, species, and populations in their inter-connectedness'.
The Uniting Church’s commitment to the environment arises out of the Christian belief that God, as the Creator of the universe, calls us into a special relationship with the creation – a relationship of mutuality and interdependence. We believe that God’s will for the earth is renewal and reconciliation, not destruction by human beings.
The Uniting Church regards climate change as a serious threat to the future and integrity of life on earth. The Uniting Church is particularly concerned with the fate of some of our most vulnerable Pacific neighbours. Our partner churches in the Pacific have called on their sisters and brothers in the church throughout the world to act in solidarity to reduce the causes of human induced climate change by ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, reducing energy use and developing clean, renewable energy sources.
The Church believes that it is important for the Australian Government to set and commit to meeting serious targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions primarily through the promotion of renewable energy sources, measures to reduce energy demand and promotion of energy efficient measures. The Church has a long history of concern with the nuclear fuel cycle and remains unconvinced about the use of nuclear power as a solution to global warming. We believe that the continued research, development and implementation of renewable energy are absolute priorities for governments and industry in order to minimise greenhouse gas production.
Key Assembly Documents
 | For the Sake of the Planet and All its People: A Uniting Church in Australia Statement on Climate Change Assembly Standing Committee November 2006 |
| Tuvalu and the Impact of Global Warming National Assembly July 2003 |
| Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy Assembly Standing Commmittee March 2000 |
| Alternative Energy Sources Assembly Standing Committee March 2000 |
| The Rights of Nature and the Rights of Future Generations National Assembly 1991 |
News from the World Council of Churches: The message that climate changes threatens human rights and must therefore be considered an ethical issue will be brought to the United Nations Climate Change Conference currently under way in Poznan, Poland by a delegation representing the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Read More...
Detention report falls short of Government's own standards: The Uniting Church has today expressed disappointment with some of the recommendations handed down from the recent parliamentary inquiry into immigration detention in Australia.
Read More...
Why Christians care about human rights: a speech delivered by UnitingJustice national director, Rev. Elenie Poulos, at the University of the Third Age Human Rights Forum, 20 November 2008
Read More...
aboutFACE09 is an exciting opportunity for young adults to build relationships with people from another culture, share faith, and grown in Christian discipleship. Young adults between 18-30 will choose to be placed in either an Aboriginal Australian Community or with one of our Partner Churches in the Asia-Pacific region. Applications close on 13 February 2009.
Find out more...
JustHolyHardware is for people who do not want to buy Christian devotional items made under gross exploitation. By supporting JustHolyHardware you can strengthen the call made by the Justice & International Mission Unit of the Uniting Church in Victorian and Tasmania (and others) to Christian communities, retailers and suppliers that they should work together to try to ensure that the fundamental human dignity of those who make Christian-related products are respected.
Read More...
Western Australia: The Uniting Church has voiced strong concerns about the new Liberal Government's decision to lift the ban on uranium mining within WA.
Read More...