The Anglican Diocese of Perth has decided to divest itself of fossil fuel investments over what it says is a responsibility to act on climate change.

The diocese made the decision at its annual synod over the weekend and now plans to put funds into renewable energy investments.

It also passed a motion calling on the Federal Government to put in place an "effective carbon pricing mechanism".

Father Evan Pederick said he hoped the measures would help to increase pressure for action to stop climate change.

"Divestment was used very successfully in relation to apartheid," he said.

"It's people power basically, it means we're actually withdrawing energy from the offending industries and there's no more effective message than the price message.

"In the absence especially of effective government action in this country, I think it is actually up to private institutions, or private individuals and institutions, to show the way," he said.

Another motion appealed for the State Government to evaluate the effects of fracking in Western Australia.

Father Pederick said he feared health concerns and social impacts in relation to fracking were not being adequately explored.

"At the moment shale gas fracking proposals aren't subject to the usual environmental protection agency controls," he said.

Its investment board, the Perth Diocesan Trustees, will release a report within the next 12 months detailing how it will redirect investments into renewable energy.

In August, the Uniting Church in Australia also moved to divest itself of investments in companies involved in the extraction of fossil fuels.