The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change organised a multi-faith vigil for climate justice on December 8.
Attendees marched from St Brigid’s Catholic Church to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s electorate office in Marrickville.
Father Kevin Dance outlined the pope’s message on the need to act urgently in the “No faith in fossil fuels” protest. He said mining of coal and gas must end.
A Buddhist meditation for peace and climate action followed. Several Christmas carols, with adapted words, were sung: “We’ll stop mining coal” was sung to the tune of “We will overcome”, and “Let’s not sell gas! Let’s not sell coal!” to the tune of “Joy to the world”.
A prayer aimed at COP28 leaders included that Labor “commits to phasing out the export of coal and gas and, at the same time, makes and executes specific plans for an equitable, orderly transition to a sustainable economy, one which is powered by renewable energy”.
A Christmas card, signed by those present, was delivered to Albanese’s staff.
[Visit Australian Religious Response to Climate Change for more information.]