Uniting Church members and staff marched through the streets of Melbourne in solidarity with about 40,000 striking students demanding action on climate change.
Melbourne’s rally was one of at least 50 held throughout Australia, while more were held in over 80 countries.
Denisse Sandoval, Social Justice Advocate at the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania said she was very proud that the church was involved.
“I think it is important for us as a church to be here because as an institution with values around caring for creation, we have to be publicly supporting young people who are saying let’s care for that creation by keeping fossil fuels in the ground and by using renewable energy,” she said.
Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator Bradon French said the march demonstrated that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today.
“We see here today that young people are organised, passionate, committed and leading us towards a sustainable future,” he said.
The climate strikes were inspired by 16-year-old Swedish student Greta Thunberg who staged her first strike in August of last year.
She recently received a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for her efforts.
