By Rev Salesi Faupula
As I return from the Fijian National Conference in Perth, this call to stand with our Pacific neighbours feels particularly timely.
Around 800 people from Fijian communities across Australia gathered for the conference, joined by significant church leaders including the President-elect of the Methodist Church in Fiji and the President-elect of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Paul Goh. I was also deeply grateful for the extraordinary hospitality and support of the Uniting Church Synod of Western Australia, both financially and through its very visible presence alongside the conference.
Climate change and climate justice were among the important matters we reflected on together. Our conversations returned again and again to what solidarity with our Pacific sisters and brothers requires of us, not simply hearing their concerns, but allowing what we hear to move us towards faithful action.
That is particularly significant as Pacific churches continue to call Australian churches to listen, pray, stand in solidarity and act. For those of us in the Uniting Church, climate justice is not simply an environmental or political question. It is a question of faith, discipleship and what it means to love our neighbour.
The challenge coming from our Pacific neighbours is clear: solidarity cannot end with words. Listening must lead somewhere. Prayer, advocacy and action belong together.
As we look towards COP31, may we have the courage not only to hear the voices of our Pacific neighbours, but to stand alongside them and allow what we hear to shape what we do.
Rev Salesi Faupula
Moderator, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania