Faith in Climate Action in a Month of Action

In September, Uniting Church congregations across Australia came together for the 2026 Season of Creation in a Month of Action -  worshiping, praying, and taking public action for climate justice.

The Month of Action coincided with the worldwide Season of Creation. This year’s theme, Living Water, drew on Ezekiel’s vision of a river flowing from God’s sanctuary, restoring damaged places and bringing new life wherever it travels. Congregations were invited to join that life-giving river through prayer, reflection and public action for creation.

A National Campaign Shaped by Local Churches

The month began with an online briefing attended by 70 Uniting Church members, with both the President Rev Charissa Suli and the Moderator of the NSW & ACT Synod Faaimata (Mata) Hiliau welcoming and commissioning the month.

Over following weeks, congregations displayed climate banners, recorded messages of support, wrote prayers, collected signatures and met with local MPs. Fifteen congregations participated as a highly engaged core group, while another 13 reported some engagement. A further 42 congregations attended the briefing or requested resources, although their local activity has not yet been confirmed.

While congregations received resources including action guides and liturgies, this month was made possible by the leadership of congregation members and ministers, who adapted activities to suit their worship, congregation and available resources.

From Burwood Uniting Church: “We launched with a Living Rivers theme, explored the historical setting and context of Ezekiel 47, and showed an ABC News video of cleanup along the Cooks River, reported Rick from Burwood Croydon Uniting Church.

St Matthews Uniting Church Baulkham Hills brought flowers and a painting to help kick off the month and at Kingston Uniting Church, members reflected on the Derwent River and the biblical image of living water. One member also began knitting a climate action scarf, which was later presented to their local federal representative.

From Worship to Public Advocacy

Four weekly actions gave congregation members different ways to participate – 15 churches took photos and videos in front of climate banners, declaring, “Uniting Church for Climate Justice!”. Members also handwrote around 240 prayers for Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and other climate decision-makers.   

These prayers called for wisdom and courage in the lead-up to COP31.

Congregations then collected around 227 signatures for a multifaith letter supporting a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The letter called for an immediate fair transition from fossil fuels that centres Pacific leadership and supports affected workers and communities.

The month concluded with some encouraging political engagement. Six MP meetings were held or confirmed, involving congregations in Canberra, Sydney and Hobart. Church delegations used these meetings to share our call for Australian leadership on climate justice ahead of COP31.

Our Work Does Not End Here

Banners, prayers, signatures and MP meetings – behind these actions were congregation members and ministers who organised activities, encouraged participation and found ways to show how climate justice is integral to our faith.

As the Season of Creation finishes and we #listen through Pre-COP31 gathering happening this week, our work cannot stop. We must continue to pray for our leaders, speak with our decision makers and support action for a fair transition away from fossil fuels. 

We thank every single person that has taken a stand for climate justice, and if you didn’t get a chance get involved, join the Uniting Climate Action Network or send the advocacy an email at advocacy@uniting.org