Eight Years On: Remembering the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Eight years after the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, the Uniting Church in Australia joins communities across the nation in remembering the courage of survivors and renewing its commitment to truth-telling, justice, healing and reform.

To mark the anniversary, the Assembly has released a liturgy for congregations and communities, alongside a statement from President Rev Charissa Suli, inviting the Church to reflect on the lasting significance of the Apology and the ongoing responsibility to listen, learn and act.

Eighth Anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse

20 October 2025

This message discusses abuse. If you need support, please reach out to Lifeline 131114, Blueknot 1300 657 380 or 13YARN 13 92 76

Today marks eight years since the Australian Government delivered the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

On this anniversary, we acknowledge all who have experienced abuse, including those harmed within the Uniting Church in Australia and our predecessor churches. We recognise that the consequences of abuse can persist throughout a person’s life, affecting their wellbeing, relationships, faith, and sense of safety and belonging.

Children who should have been safe, protected and cared for were harmed. Trust was betrayed, and too often those in positions of authority failed to listen, believe and respond appropriately. For the abuse that occurred and the Church's failures that compounded that harm, we are profoundly sorry.

We acknowledge the courage of those who have shared their experiences and respect those who have not spoken about what happened to them. No one should feel obliged to tell their story to the Church.

As we mark this anniversary, we also draw attention to the National Redress Scheme.
Applications close on 30 June 2027. We recognise that some people may not be aware of the Scheme or the independent support available to help them understand their options.

The Scheme provides eligible survivors of institutional child sexual abuse with redress, which may include a payment, counselling and psychological support, and a Direct Personal Response from a responsible institution. Free, confidential and independent Redress Support Services are available to help people understand the Scheme and decide whether to apply.

The Uniting Church continues to participate in the National Redress Scheme. For survivors who choose to receive a Direct Personal Response through the Scheme, this may include a personal apology offered on the Church's behalf by the President or another appropriate Church leader. Such responses provide an opportunity to listen, acknowledge the harm caused, and accept responsibility, without expecting forgiveness or reconciliation in return.

We invite you to make contact to start the process. You will be treated with dignity and respect, and we will listen to you. We will go at a pace that feels right for you. Many survivors we meet with tell us that they feel the apology process is very important and helpful, and we want to hear your story and keep learning and doing better.

Our responsibility does not end with the National Redress Scheme. We must continue to listen to survivors, respond with care and integrity, and strengthen our Church's safeguarding practices and accountability.

Jesus welcomed children and placed them at the centre of his community. His example reminds us that protecting children and young people is not merely about meeting legal requirements. It is fundamental to our Christian calling. We must confront the misuse of power, uphold the dignity of every child, and ensure their safety and wellbeing remain central to our life together.

As President, I reaffirm our Church’s responsibility to confront the truth of our past, respond faithfully to those who have been harmed, and continue the work of making our communities safer. Our apologies must be reflected in how we listen, the decisions we make, and the actions we take.

Rev Charissa Suli
President | Uniting Church in Australia

View and download the President's Prayer

Download the Liturgy