Marking 6 years of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
The Assembly has released a liturgy and a statement from President Rev Charissa Suli to mark the Anniversary
September 18, 2024
On 22 October 2018, former Prime Minister Hon Scott Morrison MP delivered an historic National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. This year marks the sixth Anniversary of the National Apology.
The Uniting Church in Australia acknowledges and laments the role of the Uniting Church and its predecessor churches in causing harm to children. It is fully committed to growing a culture of safety across the whole Church and creating communities where all people can flourish in safety and security.
To mark the Anniversary, the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has released a worship liturgy and a statement. Find these resources below.
"The anniversary gives us the opportunity to reflect and restate our commitment to listening, learning and doing better"
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Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
22 October 2024
October 22 marks the sixth anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.
“Every survivor. Every child. Every vulnerable person. The anniversary gives us the opportunity to reflect and restate our commitment to listening, learning and doing better,” says Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia.
“I am always humbled in this space – a student to the lessons of the past. We can never, we must never forget.”
“We continue to strive for churches that are safe for children and all people,” says Rev Suli. “The Uniting Church in Australia is united in its commitment to safeguarding.”
A liturgy of lament is available for all congregations to mark the anniversary. It is a reminder not only of the wrongs of the past, but also of the need to remain vigilant. The liturgy reflects the sorrow of the Church and the harm it has been involved in, and laments the abuse of children in our care.
This time of reflection is a reminder to all congregations of our need to ensure we are compliant with regulation but also that we are driving a culture of safety across the Uniting Church where the safety of children and vulnerable people is a priority.
“Compliance is bare minimum. And bare minimum is not a high enough standard when it comes to protecting children,” says Rev Suli.
The liturgy material also includes resources to support congregations to be trauma informed in the delivery of the liturgy.
“This can be confronting,” says Rev Suli, “but this does not mean we can turn away. These terrible things must be brought into the light so we never forget and these breaches of justice are never repeated.”
Download the statement as a PDF
Click below to download the Liturgy
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