20 OCTOBER 2022
www.therecord.com.au
Edition #405
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL HOSTS MULTIFAITH SERVICE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
Religious leaders from different faiths gathered to call for stronger climate action. PHOTO: RON TAN.
By Michelle Tan
On 13 October 2022, multifaith services were held across Australia to raise awareness of climate change and to seek greater commitment from the Australian government to stop new fossil fuel developments. St Mary’s Cathedral hosted the Perth service, where prominent Western Australian religious leaders from different faiths represented a united front to call for stronger climate action. In attendance were: - Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral. - The Most Rev Bishop Don Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. - Rev Mitchell Garlett, Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress WA. - Rev Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, Trinity Uniting Church in the City.
- Venerable Ajahn Brahmali, Bodhinyana Theravada Buddhist Monastry. - Rev Mujyo Williams, Head Priest at Kozanji Rinzai Zen Temple. - Shri Damji bhai Koria, President of the Hindu Council of Australia Perth Chapter. - Dr Rateb Jneid, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils - Dr Al Riebau, Chairperson of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai’s of Wanneroo. - Susy Thomas, Moderator of the Uniting Church WA. - Rev Dr Christy Capper, Deputy Warden Wollaston Theological College of the Anglican Diocese. Cathedral Dean Fr Sean Fernandez was the presiding celebrant of the service and a Welcome to Country was delivered by Rev Mitchell Garlett. Rev Dr Katalina TahaafeWilliams shared during the service
that amongst the Indigenous Peoples around the world, those living in the Pacific are among the hardest hit by the climate crisis. “Ocean acidification, overfishing, droughts, and super storms are devastating their food sources. Sea level rise is threatening their homes and, with them, their belonging to the land, their culture, and survival as nations.” Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton led the Christian Prayer for our earth, which was earlier published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si. “All powerful God, You are present in the universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness, all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with your peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.” Full Text available at
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