Faith Communities Step Up: Climate Action on the Eve of the Federal Election
Interview with Graham Brice, Author of Two Dogs and member of the Church of the Trinity | Originally aired on The Wire podcast produced by Artem Rednikin
Transcript:
With just hours remaining before Australians head to the polls, an unexpected coalition is making its voice heard—faith community leaders.
In Adelaide’s marginal electorates, churches, mosques, and temples are stepping into the political arena in an unusual but increasingly vital way: by calling for urgent climate action. Across the city, places of worship are displaying signs that urge voters and leaders alike to take the climate crisis seriously.
The Wire’s Artem Rednichen spoke with Graham Brice, author of Two Dogs and a member of the Church of the Trinity, about why people of faith are stepping up…
“ARC has been connecting particularly with the Uniting Church,” Bryce explained. “The Uniting Church has a platform of concern for what they call renewal of the whole creation, which is a strong and long-standing theological stance. It’s urging people like me—congregation members—to do what we can.”
Asked about the message behind the signs appearing in front of faith centres, Bryce didn’t hesitate.
“The fundamental message is that we’re in a climate emergency. The planet is heating far too fast. It’s having major consequences—weather systems are becoming unstable, dangerous, and costly. It’s affecting crops, insurance policies, and daily life.”
Each faith group chooses their wording, often guided by ARC’s recommendations. In some cases, signs highlight solidarity with the Pacific Islands, where climate change is already devastating communities.
“We’re passionate about supporting Pacific Island nations. They’re losing sacred territory due to sea level rise and being hit by extreme weather far more often than before,” said Bryce.
So, what’s the political response been?
“I’ve spoken directly with Louise Miller-Frost, the ALP candidate for Boothby,” Bryce said. “She’s assured me the government has made progress—building solar farms, setting net zero targets. But while I believe they’re doing something, I don’t think it’s enough. They’re still opening new coal and gas projects, which undermines progress.”
Bryce warned we’re on a trajectory for 3°C of global warming—currently tracking around 1.6°C.
“That’s pretty scary,” he said. “More churches are getting involved. Some are running forums on electric vehicles so people can experience EVs firsthand and get their questions answered.”
It’s not just Christian communities joining the movement.
“There’s a worldwide movement around greening mosques, and Muslim communities have been passionate about the state of the planet for decades,” Bryce said. “We’ve also worked with Catholics involved in ARC who point to Laudato Si’ as one of the most important documents ever written on caring for the Earth.”
As the nation votes, faith communities are calling not just for policies, but for moral courage.
Asked about the message behind the signs appearing in front of faith centres, Bryce didn’t hesitate.
“The fundamental message is that we’re in a climate emergency. The planet is heating far too fast. It’s having major consequences—weather systems are becoming unstable, dangerous, and costly. It’s affecting crops, insurance policies, and daily life.”
Each faith group chooses their wording, often guided by ARC’s recommendations. In some cases, signs highlight solidarity with the Pacific Islands, where climate change is already devastating communities.
“We’re passionate about supporting Pacific Island nations. They’re losing sacred territory due to sea level rise and being hit by extreme weather far more often than before,” said Bryce.
So, what’s the political response been?
“I’ve spoken directly with Louise Miller-Frost, the ALP candidate for Boothby,” Bryce said. “She’s assured me the government has made progress—building solar farms, setting net zero targets. But while I believe they’re doing something, I don’t think it’s enough. They’re still opening new coal and gas projects, which undermines progress.”
Bryce warned we’re on a trajectory for 3°C of global warming—currently tracking around 1.6°C.
“That’s pretty scary,” he said. “More churches are getting involved. Some are running forums on electric vehicles so people can experience EVs firsthand and get their questions answered.”
It’s not just Christian communities joining the movement.
“There’s a worldwide movement around greening mosques, and Muslim communities have been passionate about the state of the planet for decades,” Bryce said. “We’ve also worked with Catholics involved in ARC who point to Laudato Si’ as one of the most important documents ever written on caring for the Earth.”
As the nation votes, faith communities are calling not just for policies, but for moral courage.