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The leader of the Church of England, Archbishop Justin Welby, has visited Cairns, Yarrabah, and the Torres Strait as part of a 14-day Australian tour.
On Sunday, Archbishop Welby attended a service of worship at the Cathedral of All Souls and St Bartholomew on Thursday Island.
The Archbishop later heard about local impacts of climate change, urging the world to listen to Indigenous environmental concerns.
“It was a such an honour to be welcomed to Thursday Island by the people of the Torres Strait Islands this weekend.
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“The Islanders taught me lots about their profound connection to the land and sea, their deep sense of community and caring for one another.
“This was a chance to hear the concerns and challenges of First Nations people in the Torres Strait, especially the impact of the climate crisis, which threatens Indigenous peoples in Australia and elsewhere.
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“They are not only living with the impacts of climate change but have much to teach us all about living in harmony with the natural world,” Archbishop Welby said.
On Monday, he travelled to Yarrabah, where he ordained three women at St Albans Anglican Church.
Valmai and Petronella Connolly were ordained as priests, and Ainsley Dangar was ordained as a deacon.
While in Yarrabah, Archbishop Welby visited Coleen Malcolm, widow of the late Arthur Malcolm, Australia’s first Indigenous Bishop, who died in August.
Archbishop Welby also visited Wontulp-Bi-Buya Theological College in Cairns, and was due to visit Kuranda by Skyrail before leaving the Far North on Wednesday.
Main points
- Archbishop Justin Welby visits FNQ
- He says the world needs to listen to climate change concerns
- His visit included Thursday Island, Cairns, and Yarrabah
