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For those interested in reading more about current social and political issues, click here for the latest Thinking Points from the Centre for Policy Development
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
An Economy of Life: Re-imagining human progress for a flourishing world
Twelfth Assembly, 2009
download as PDF
download in Word
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For the Sake of the Planet and All Its People: a Uniting Church statement on climate change Eleventh Assembly Standing Committee, 2006 |
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Tuvalu and the Impact of Global Warming Tenth Assembly, 2003 |
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Alternative Energy Sources Assembly Standing Committee, 2000 |
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Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy Assembly Standing Committee, 2000 |
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The Rights of Nature and the Rights of Future Generations Sixth Assembly, 1991 |
Key Ecumenical Documents
World Council of Churches, Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt
WCC Central Committee, Geneva, Switzerland, 26 August - 2 September 2009
click here to view the statement
Prayer resources for Sorry Day and the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation (26 May - 3 June) from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission available here on the NATSIEC website
From the World Council of Churches - 'WCC calls on churches to "renew efforts" for a fair climate deal'
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From the World Council of Churches - multimedia study series on gender violence launched for Lent: The study resources offer a weekly film focusing on the lives of women in various parts of the world, including India, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and South Africa. Each film is accompanied by a Bible study, a fact sheet, discussion starters and worship resources.
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From JustAct in VicTas Synod: JustEndChristianPersecution - take action to assist Dr Alexis Montes, a lay leader in the health ministry of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and his health worker colleagues.
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Position Vacant: Solidarity and Justice Officer, UCA South Australia (half-time position). The Solidarity and Justice Officer will resource the Church through education, advocacy and networking across a wide range of justice issues and commitments addressed by the Church.
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UnitingCare Australia Opposes Involuntary Income Management (25 Nov 2009): Uniting Care Australia National Director Lin Hatfield Dodds has called today for the Australian Government to focus on delivering effective support for disadvantaged and vulnerable families.
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