Season of Creation
Climate Justice Study Group
Thursday evenings from 3 September at 7pm
Please note this is via Zoom only
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
The study group offers an opportunity to read Scripture ecologically, with attention to the world we inhabit and the conditions affecting people and place.
Week 1: 3 September, 7pm. Scripture readings: Genesis 7, Psalm 29, and Matt 3. Led by Mariana Waqa.
Week 2: 10 September, 7pm. Scripture readings:Jeremiah 2:4-17 Romans 8:18–25. Led by Rev. Tau’alofa. Anga’aelangi via Zoom
Week 3: 17 September, 7pm. Scripture readings: Isaiah 42:1–9; Psalm 29; Matthew 3:13–17. Led by Dr. Miriam Pepper.
Week 4: 24 September, 7pm. Scripture readings: Revelation 21:1–6; Genesis 9:8–17; Psalm 24. Led by Rev. Dr. Brian Kōlia.
Week 5: 1 October, 7pm. Scripture readings:John 4:1-30. Led by Rev. Dr. Cliff Bird.
Rev. Dr. Cliff Bird is one of Oceania’s leading theologians, a critical interdisciplinary thinker, a highly regarded regional and community leader, and a sought-after voice on social, economic, and ecological justice. Cliff is passionate about the intersectionalities of theology and faith with broader developmental issues and trends. He currently leads the Uniting Church’s response to the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) program. He has responsibility for resourcing the Uniting Church in providing pastoral care and religious and spiritual guidance to people who are participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALMS) program.
and his most recent published work is Reweaving the Ecological Mat (2020) co-authored with Arnie Saiki and Meretui Ratunabuabua.
Rev. Dr. Bird has spent many years serving the church throughout Oceania, including as head of the Department of Theology and Ethics at Pacific Theological College, head of the Council for World Mission in Fiji, and Regional Coordinator of the Uniting World Pacific Office. Prior to that, he worked for the Solomon Islands Government, including as acting CEO of the National Provident Fund. In his current role he is responsible for resourcing the Uniting Church, including local churches and PALM scheme workers, to provide pastoral care and create genuine and inclusive communities.
Source: https://pacificstudies.org.au/2025/04/epeli-hauofa-memorial-lecture-2025-alternatives-in-development-narratives-and-practice-insights-from-pasifika-faith-and-indigenous-perspectives-with-rev-dr-cliff-bird/
