Date: 2009-07-13 17:57:12
In 1983, at the World Council of Churches Assembly in Vancouver, a woman from the Marshall Islands put the Pacific on the map for church people all over the world when she launched an impassioned plea for international support. She wanted the churches to take note and take action in the light of the environmental legacy of nuclear testing. Darlene Keju Johnson died some years later of cancer.
Now the Pacific needs to be put back on the map of churches and governments worldwide in the light of sea level rises making many islands uninhabitable. We may not like to hear it, but people in the Pacific – where many are people of great faith – are pleading with us to listen and look, then act in whatever way we can. If you are in and around Brisbane on Tuesday, 28th July, don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear the stories that will help you to speak and pray about this reality in an informed way. Our sisters and brothers will be greatly heartened by our support.
On a different note: a Queenslander has been elected to the position of President of the NCCA! See below.
May God open our eyes and ears to the needs of each other this coming week and give us the grace to admit when we ourselves need help.
Glenine Hamlyn
The Most Revd Michael Putney, Catholic Bishop of Townsville, is the new President of the National Council of Churches in Australia.
Celebrate the contribution of refugees to Australia, and highlight their concerns: on 30 August 2009.
On 28 July, hear Rev. Tafue Lusama of the Christian Church of Tuvalu and other church and community “voices from the frontline” in the Pacific– they are asking us to listen and act.
If you are part of a group working on climate change issues, you can register now for the 2009 summit.
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The joint commitment made by the US and Russia to cut nuclear stockpiles is essential, says WCC, since their example will influence other nations.
