Fourth Anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
Joint statement – UCA President, National Director UCA Redress Ltd, Director, National Safe Church Unit
October 22 marks the fourth anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.
In marking the anniversary, the Uniting Church reiterates its own apology to survivors and recommits to the safety of all people in the church. A Liturgy of Lament is available below for communities to mark the anniversary.
“We lament the harm done to all those who have suffered abuse while in our care and we acknowledge the ongoing impact and trauma for survivors and their families,” said UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis. “We are sorry for the breach of trust which occurred and for our failure to provide a safe place for those in our care.”
“At the same time, we renew our commitment to redress for those who experienced child sexual abuse, to learn from the experiences of survivors and to make our church a safe place for all.”
“We must continually be alert to current and emerging risks of harm to children in all UCA spaces and to engage in the work that must be done to ensure we actively safeguard our children, our young people and each other.”
The Uniting Church continues to receive applications under National Redress Scheme from people who experienced sexual abuse as children in the care of the Uniting Church and its predecessors. The Scheme offers a monetary payment, access to counselling and a Direct Personal Response with the institution if the survivor wishes.
National Director of UCA Redress Sarah Lim says that the Uniting Church continues to work with survivors to provide supportive, trauma-informed practices. Where requested, an apology is given following acceptance of an offer of redress.
“We encourage applicants to come forward for a Direct Personal Response. Your story and experience will be heard,” said Ms Lim. “It is our commitment to learn from the past and to make child safety an integral part of our communities.”
“We continue to learn from every redress application that we receive.”
UCA Redress works closely with the National Safe Church Unit (NCSU) to share insights that better inform the church’s policies and practices.
NSCU was established by the Uniting Church in Australia to support the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. The Unit works with people across the church to develop education, training, policy and governance resources to ensure the church is a safe place for all people.
“In order to be a safe church we need to safeguard all people in our communities from potential harm or abuse,” said Rev John Cox, Director of the NSCU.
“My experience of working to safeguard children and young people is that we need to regularly remind ourselves why the work is important, what the risks are and to be honest about the progress we are making.”
“The anniversary of the Apology is a time for us to renew our commitment to be a safe church, a commitment that is deeply embedded in our identity as the people of God in Christ and to reflect on the progress we are making.”
“Safeguarding is about more than keeping each other safe, it is about nurturing and lifting each other up so that everyone can thrive and grow into who God calls them to be.”
If you have any questions about UCA Redress or the Uniting Church’s participation in the National Redress Scheme, go to ucaredress.org.au or contact 1800 411 739 or info@redress.uca.org.au
If you need crisis support please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hours).
Click on the image below to download the liturgy
