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
UCA Leaders gather for key week of discernment
Key week of discernment in shaping the Church’s future Last week, Leaders across the Uniting Church gathered for a pivotal time of meetings, shaping shared vision, national priorities and future direction Leaders from across the Uniting Church in Australia gathered in Sydney last week for a significant series of meetings, marking an important time…
Journey to Net Zero: 2026 Roundtables
Be part of the Uniting Church’s Climate Action Roundtables The church community is invited to join this year’s series of Roundtables equipping communities for faithful, practical climate action 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…
Honouring shared mission
Honouring shared mission Earlier this month, the Korean World Mission Fellowship (KWMF) held a ceremony to recognise descendants of Australian missionaries who lived martyr-like lives for the evangelisation of Korea Representatives of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA), including Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen and Rev Seung Jae Yeon of the Korean…
New UnitingCare Australia National Director officially commissioned
Tamara Thomas officially commissioned as National Director, UnitingCare Australia Before leaders and members of the Uniting Church and UnitingCare, Tamara Thomas has been formally welcomed into her new role as National Director of the Church’s social justice and advocacy agency Tamara Thomas has been officially commissioned as the new National Director of UnitingCare Australia.…
Bible Study resource celebrates 50 years
With Love to the World celebrates 50 years The distinctive Australian daily Bible study resource of the Uniting Church reached a golden milestone last week. John Squires reflects on its story and significance. By Rev Dr John Squires, With Love to the World Editor The Uniting Church has a number of distinctive gifts to…
Reports expose modern slavery in supply chains
New reports expose modern slavery in supply chains The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania in collaboration with Greenpeace have released two new reports shining the light on modern slavery hidden within global supply chains. On 3 March 2026, the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania – represented by their Senior Social…
Theology, Formation & Leadership Commission: February update
Theology, Formation & Leadership Commission: February Update The Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met in February to continue key work shaping ministry and leadership across the Church. p Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
IWD 2026: Celebrating Uniting Church Women
Uniting Church Women Nominees for the Uniting Church Women 2026 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. As the Church and wider community mark International Women’s Day 2026,…