On 24 November 2019, Brunswick Uniting Church adopted the following resolution.
It builds on our longstanding commitment to environmental action.
Brunswick Uniting Church (BUC) resolves to declare a climate crisis, as follows:

Preamble:

As UCA President, Dierdre Palmer has written to all UC congregations:

This earth is created by our good and generous Creator. We are connected to the Earth and are called to live with care and respect toward the whole Creation. In the scriptures and in our present context we hear Christ’s call to participate in Christ’s renewal of the creation. Climate refugees, widening deserts, polluted oceans, endangered animals and vanishing forests are signs of the suffering of our planet, and a cry for us to take compassionate action as disciples of Christ. We are passionately committed to contributing our [prophetic] voice and action toward a world in which all people, creatures and the Earth can flourish.

Declaration:

BUC recognises that we are in a state of climate crisis that requires urgent action for climate justice by all levels of government, business, the community, as well as by individuals.

Commitments:

Under the direction of Church Council, and in consultation with local Aboriginal people, BUC will develop a Climate Crisis Plan for the church community by May 2020, including goals and action plans for the following commitments.

  1. BUC will continue to develop our theological understanding and our personal & collective discipleship as the people of God living in a time of climate crisis.
  2. The plan will include specific targets for BUC to become carbon positive. We will encourage and empower households to do the same.
  3. BUC, both collectively and as individual members, will engage with the wider church, as well as other faith communities, groups and people in our local communities, on the climate crisis.
  4. BUC, both collectively and as individual members, will urge all levels of government, as well as business, to declare a climate crisis and commit to restoring a safe climate by immediately allocating the necessary resources across the economy, and by changing unsustainable business practices.

BUC will commit resources to implement the Plan, consistent with the targets and timelines that it will spell out, noting the urgency in times of crisis.

Adopted by consensus, Congregational Meeting, 24 November 2019.

Want to get involved?

We need help with drafting, and then implementing, our new Climate Crisis Action Plan!
Email your suggestions for the plan to Shawn Whelan or Maxine Loynd.
Contact Richard Arnold to get involved in the Climate Action Group.

Write a letter to our parliamentarians.   Please see the attached draft letter prepared by Richard Arnold.
Addresses/contact details  for all members of Parliament can be found here.  This includes both the House of Representatives and the Senate.