It may have the Turnbull and Palaszczuk governments firmly in its corner, but the Adani super-mine is facing a formidable new opponent: the Christian faith.

The Catholic and Anglican bishops of Townsville have issued a joint statement to their followers criticising "projected mega-mining developments across Queensland, especially the Galilee Basin", and accusing politicians and big business of failing to protect the common good.

Adani protesters reportedly heckled Annastacia Palaszczuk on the campaign trail. Credit:AAP

The bishops' message puts them head-to-head with Adani, the Indian mining behemoth behind the $16.5 billion Carmichael mine proposed for the Galilee Basin. It also puts them at odds with the local council and state and federal governments, which resoundingly support the project.

Adani has located its regional headquarters in Townsville, and the statement will fuel debate in the already divided community over what would be Australia's biggest coal mine.