Father Peter Moore's vision is for people of faith to come together and share their understanding of creation and the environment and how their faith values it. He is Chair of Angligreen, Anglican Church Southern Queensland, Deputy Chair of Queensland Churches Environmental Network and is on the Management Committee for the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change.
Read more about Peter and Angligreen below.
Can you tell us more about Angligreen?
Angligreen is a committee of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland that supports its parishes and agencies in:
- fulfilling the fourth mark of mission of the Diocese, “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the Earth”;
- responding to and complying with the Protection of the Environment Canon 2007; and
- partnerships with other Diocesan, Anglican, Ecumenical, Interfaith and secular bodies working for their protection of the environment.
Why is Angligreen taking climate action?
The world wide Anglican Communion has defined five characteristics or marks which define what it means to be a Christian. One of those marks is “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the Earth.” The Anglican Church of Australia passed a Canon in 2007 calling on the church to reduce its footprint on the planet. Angligreen is part of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland's response. We believe we are called to care for creation and not exploit it. We work to reduce the damage we are causing and to advocate on behalf of creation.
Can you tell us about your commitments to climate action?
We are behind the Sacred Earth, Sacred People Project calling for:
- 100% renewable energy for all: Sustainable, affordable power for everyone - especially the 800 million people without access to electricity
- Global finance aligned with compassionate values: Increased financing - in COVID recovery and beyond - for renewable energy and sustainable food systems
- Jobs and healthcare for all: A just transition for workers, migrants, and communities impacted by climate change and the energy transition through healthcare, job training and placement, and other necessary support
- Respect Indigenous rights: A strong defence for the legal rights of Indigenous communities and environmental protectors
- Welcome for migrants: Generous hospitality and opportunities for climate and environmental refugees to migrate and establish new homes
- No more climate pollution: Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in wealthy countries by 2030; accelerated finance/technology transfers for global net zero before 2050
- End the planet’s desecration: No new fossil fuel exploration or infrastructure, industrial agriculture, or deforestation; no more habitat or biodiversity loss
- Eliminate immoral finance: No further financing or COVID bailouts for all fossil fuels, industrial agriculture, or deforestation
- Just contributions from wealthy countries: Leadership by wealthy countries in climate financing and technology transfer, in recognition of these countries’ colonialist and environmental debt
- Bold faith community leadership: Sustained, united action guided by the teachings of our diverse religions, ushering in an equitable, peaceful life for all
Is there a project you are working on that you are excited about?
I work together with other Christian groups in Queensland through Queensland Churches Environmental Network and Australian Religious Response to Climate Change as well as others to educate, encourage and advocate for an urgent response to the Climate Crisis. Australian Religious Response to Climate Change is a foundation member of GreenFaith International, and through Sacred People, Sacred Earth we are seeking faith leaders and individuals to sign onto these targets and placing 10 targets before they are presented to before national leaders to act in their preparation for COP26 in November 2021.
What real-world opportunities have you uncovered from taking climate action today?
The recent bushfires, drought and floods in Australia have highlighted the crisis. Covid-19 has taught that if science is accepted and followed, solutions can be found and progress achieved. Money is available for recovery when a crisis is accepted. The world is changing and we can help direct the change. Australia is lagging.
What climate action would you like to see Australia take?
Commit to our 10 targets listed above.