December 2015 – Page 3 – My WordPress Website

To coincide with the United Nations climate talks in Paris, thousands of Australians came together across the world to call for strong action on global climate change. The marches were held across the weekend of 27 – 29 November. The Uniting Church in Australia encouraged all its members, congregations, schools and agencies to take part. The marches were well attended, with an estimated 45 000 people marching in Sydney alone, with 7000 at the Perth rally.

The Perth rally began from Wellington Square, following a welcome to country by Noel Nannup and a spirit dance from Indigenous dancers to chase away bad spirits. There were speeches from firefighters and religious leaders, calling for urgent climate action. The rally was led by frontline communities; Indigenous groups who were already feeling the effects of climate change. A large contingent of doctors were also marching, concerned about the health impacts, along with environmental, religious and political groups.

Uniting Church in Australia president, Stuart McMillan, has called for prayers and support for those devastated by bushfires in recent weeks.

Communities in the Pinery region north of Adelaide and in Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia face a long recovery process after battling major blazes which claimed six lives and caused widespread destruction of homes, farmland and other property.

“We hold in prayer all those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost homes and everyone involved in the response, both now and in the long recovery phase ahead,” said Stuart.

“We are heartened to hear how people within those regions have responded with compassion for each other, opening up their homes, churches, clubs and businesses to assist those in need.”

Bushfires in South Australia’s mid north claimed two lives and left others seriously injured. Hundreds of firefighters were called on to contain the blaze which has burned more than 80,000 hectares.

SA Disaster and Recovery Ministries Coordinator Wendy Perkins said more than 20 chaplains from different denominations were called upon to be with people at the Relief Centre in Gawler.