THERE'S an old belief that politics and religion don't mix, but Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral has cast that aside to strongly advocate for action on climate change.
Christ Church Cathedral is one of six places of worship this week, of various Christian faiths, that are calling on Australia's various political parties to commit to an investment in renewable energy, an end to coal and gas industry funding, environment law changes and the phasing out of fossil fuels.
Green banners which read "Protect Creation. Good Jobs in Clean Energy Nobody Left Behind" were unfurled on the iconic Christ Church Cathedral's roof and outside its Church Street entry.
"The transition to clean energy is upon us," Newcastle Anglican's director of mission Father Rod Bower said.
"If we don't have a plan, people in communities like the Hunter Valley will be left behind.
"We, as Newcastle Anglicans, are committed to treating this land with great respect by operating in an environmentally-responsible manner. We need our leaders to make the same commitment.
"We know that climate change threatens humanity and our planet. We also know there are enormous economic opportunities if we invest seriously in clean energy.
"We need our leaders to have a real plan for clean jobs in the Hunter, that ensures a just transition for people and organisations to the use of renewable energy."
St John's in Brisbane, St Patrick's at Parramatta, St Paul's in Melbourne, Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide and Perth's St Mary's are also participating in the week of action.
