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
uHub: a new digital home for UCA resources
A new home for the resources of the UCAThe Uniting Church Assembly is excited to introduce you to uHub – the refreshed and renamed digital home for the treasures of our Church. Previously known as Illuminate, this central platform brings together Assembly resolutions, justice and theology statements, worship and liturgical resources, governance documents, historical materials,…
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of key personnel for the two new Uniting Church National CommissionsThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of two key personnel to the work of the new National Commissions. Established by…
Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions
Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs for two new Uniting Church National CommissionsThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs to lead two new National Commissions. Established by the 17th Assembly out of a…
What's next for Act2?
What’s next for the Act2 Project? The work of the Act2 Project is by no means over. Rather, it is in a time of transition after the 17th Assembly, writes Acting Act2 Project Lead Rev Erik Lennestålwritten by Acting Act2 Project Lead, Rev Erik Lennestål The work of the Act2 Project is by no means…
Video: Meet our President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh
“The Gospel to the whole creation”: Meet our President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh We share an interview filmed at the 17th Assembly following Paul Goh’s election as the next President. He will serve in the Uniting Church’s most senior leadership role from 2027-2030The Assembly is delighted to release this new video introducing you to the…
That's a wrap on the 17th Assembly
That’s a wrap on the 17th Assembly meeting The 17th Assembly has wrapped up after six joyful days of fellowship, worship and discernment. As we head home from the triennial meeting, let’s keep weaving Christ’s loveThe 17th Assembly meeting wrapped up in Parramatta on Tuesday afternoon after six days of joyful Christian community, worship, prayer…
Act2 Decisions Summary
17th Assembly resolved on Act2 The 17th Assembly has adopted three new visions for the life of the Uniting Church, established two new national Commissions and requested further work on the national structure of the UCAThe 17th Assembly has made a series of decisions arising out of the Act2 Project, adopting three new visions for…
Reflections from international church partners
Reflections from international church partners President of Free Wesleyan Church in Tonga, Bishop from the Church of North India and General Secretary of Pacific Conference of Churches share with 17th AssemblyThis morning the 17th Assembly heard reflections from leaders of overseas church partners. Rev Dr Tevita Havea, President of the Free Wesleyan Church in Tonga,…