National Safe Church Unit reports
General Secretary (Interim) Rev Lindsay Cullen shares on the important work to ensure the Uniting Church is a safe place for all people
July 15, 2024
General Secretary (Interim) Rev Lindsay Cullen provided a report from the National Safe Church Unit (NSCU) to the 17th Assembly. The Unit was established in April 2019 in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The report describes the unit, “as an expression of the whole of Church commitment to ensuring that all parts of the UCA are places where all people are safe and supported.” Further, to ensure it is “a place of reconciliation and healing for those who may have experienced harm within our walls or in their broader life.”
The report notes the history of social justice advocacy within the Uniting Church and its close association with caring for vulnerable people. This commitment undergirds the NSCU’s work in ensuring the Church can do this in an effective, safe and sustainable way.
Lindsay shared that the NSCU was in a time of transition with recent staff changes.
“I just want to be transparent that we are in a difficult period with the National Safe Church Unit. The Assembly is certainly aware of that, the Synods are aware of that.”
Lindsay reinforced the important work being conducted by the Synods to ensure child safety across the church.
During the triennium, the Unit has developed the National Child Safe Policy Framework and the Principles of a Child Safe Uniting Church in Australia. This work continues to be guided by the theological foundations which underpin the Uniting Church’s commitment to child safety and being a safe church.
Rev Cullen reported that he will be meeting with the General Secretaries of the Synod in August to continue to discuss the ongoing, significant work of child safety in the church.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Read more 17th Assembly news
Call for nominations for President-elect and 18th Assembly representatives
The Uniting Church in Australia is beginning an important process of discernment to identify the next President-elect of the Assembly. Ahead of the 18th Assembly, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), Presbyteries and Synods have the privilege and opportunity to identify people who may be nominated for election as President-elect (Reg. 3.6.4.1). Nominations…
Celebrations and stories of healing in Alice Springs
Stories of Healing: Alice Springs marks 100 years of Adelaide House and 70 years of the John Flynn Memorial ChurchIn the red centre of Australia, members of the Uniting Church community gathered on 12–13 September to honour two milestones of faith, care and resilience: the centenary of Adelaide House and 70 years of the John…
Pacific women call for climate action that begins with their communities
Pacific women call for climate action that begins with their communities From Tuvalu, Pacific women are calling on world leaders to listen deeply, strengthen community leadership and pursue climate action grounded in local experience and wisdom.For the women who gathered in Tuvalu this September, climate justice reaches into the everyday work of keeping communities safe.…
Bearing witness to Palestinian Christian voices
Bearing witness to Palestinian Christian voicesAs World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel takes place this week, the Uniting Church is invited to listen, pray and stand in solidarity with communities longing for peace and justice. In July this year, the Uniting Church hosted two Palestinian Christians as part of the “Bearing Witness: Palestinian…
President’s Prayer for the UN International Day of Peace
President’s Prayer for the United Nations International Day of Peace The United Nations International Day of Peace, commemorated on 21 September, brings people around the world together to reflect on the urgent work of building and sustaining peace. The 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day” highlights that peace is…
Come, Taste and See: Feast of Faith 2026
Come, Taste and See: Feast of Faith 2026 Young adults and emerging leaders gathered for this year’s Feast of Faith, discovering God’s goodness through worship, fellowship, storytelling and shared cultural experiencesEarlier this month, second-generation young adults and emerging leaders from intercultural communities across the Uniting Church gathered in Merricks, Victoria for Feast of Faith 2026.…
Lay Preachers gather to share in weaving Christ’s love
Lay Preachers gather to share in weaving Christ’s loveMore than 40 Lay Preachers, worship leaders and church members from across Australia gathered in Naarm/Melbourne from 4–6 September for the National Lay Preachers’ Conference. Hosted by the Lay Preachers’ Association of Victoria and Tasmania with Pilgrim Theological College, the triennial conference was…
Pilgrims of Peace, Trust and Hope
Pilgrims of Peace, Trust and Hope Last week, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh gathered with the global ecumenical community to discuss the Church’s role in speaking for peace, justice and hope amid the wounds of divisionSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to…