Action for climate refugees at St Patrick’s, Melbourne
Extinction Rebellion Australia, 20 Oct 2024
On Sunday 13 October, Extinction Rebellion protesters entered St Patrick’s Cathedral to give an urgent message to Archbishop Commensoli, demanding he put into action the pope’s instructions on fighting the climate crisis.
A statement from the protesters said:
In his encyclical, ‘Laudato Si, 2015, the pope implores all people to confront and heal the suffering that humanity has unleashed on the earth. He urges us to put ‘healthy pressure’ on all institutions complicit with climate destruction.
In his apostolic exhortation, ‘Laudate Deum’, 2023, Pope Francis, when speaking on climate action says “We must move beyond the mentality of appearing to be concerned, but not having the courage needed to produce substantial change”.
The protesters are acting on his words, and beseech Archbishop Commensoli to do the same.
Five protesters, including Catholic priest Father Peter Murnane, requested two days of Sanctuary in St Patrick’s Cathedral on behalf of future generations.
When the request for ‘Sanctuary’ was refused, the protesters held a two-day hunger strike outside the Church gates. The two days represented the overwhelming numbers of climate refugees who will require sanctuary in the coming years.
The protesters hoped that the Archbishop would come and discuss the need to teach climate justice in a way that’s consistent with what the pope is saying, and use the Church’s considerable influence in the political sphere.
The protesters also encouraged members of the public to join them in conversation over the two days of the hunger strike.
During the same month, in a Week of Action coordinated by Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), cathedrals and over 150 diverse places of worship across Australia unveiled banners and billboards with a message for the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition: Australia needs an historic investment in clean energy to enable an urgent transition away from fossil fuels.
In a video on the ARRCC website Faithful call for clean energy & phase out of fossil fuels nine senior leaders from a wide variety of faiths called for action on the climate crisis and investment in clean energy on an unprecedented scale.
Mohamed Mohideen OAM, Vice-President of the Islamic Council of Australia said "It's time for people of faith to speak with one voice, for Australia, for our children, and for the Earth."
Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black OAM, Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors said "We are in a climate crisis. In Australia and globally, people are dying. People are losing their homes and their livelihoods because of floods, fires and draughts."
The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane said "What we urgently need from out political leaders, is a clear plan to make that happen - starting now."
Rev Mata Havea Hiliau, Uniting Church Moderator NWS and CACT said "The most important part of the plan, is to let the country know you will get the job done. We need a date. We need to let the people know - when you will stop exporting coal and gas."
The Right Reverend Hans Christiansen Assistant Anglican Bishop of Perth (addressing the Prime Minister) said: "Scientists tell us that we cannot afford any more coal or gas projects anywhere in Australia. So we're calling on you to stop allowing new gas fields, especially those looking beyond 2050. The situation is far too urgent for that. Gas is not the answer."
See the ARRCC website for more about the ARRCC and the ARRCC Week of Action.
