As part of Children's Week 2020, the National Safe Church Unit will stream a webinar on Wednesday 21 October to support people across the Uniting Church who are engaging with young people online. 

The theme of the 2020 Children’s Week is children have the right to meet together and join groups and organisations as long as it does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. This is equally important in online spaces.

National Safe Church Unit National Director John Cox said that the ongoing impact of COVID-19 has meant that being able to access worship, pastoral care and community connections online is an important support for many of us, including children and young people.

“More than ever we are meeting together in online spaces, and while this is extremely important to remain connected, we need to be mindful and intentional about ensuring those spaces are safe for all members of the Church.”

The webinar has been created to support people across the life of the Church who have responsibility for online engagement with children and young people or who participate in online activities that include children and young people.

The webinar will consider the ways to create safe and healthy spaces online, including in digital platforms for worship and ministry, livestreaming, and social media. Topics will also include sensitive pastoral conversations, record keeping and adhering to the Codes of Ethics.

Participants will hear from Safe Church leaders from each of the Synods and the National Safe Church Unit. It will be possible to post questions to  the panel during the webinar.

To access the webinar visit the Assembly Facebook page from on Wednesday 21 October 2-3pm AEDT:
11am -12pm (Perth)
12.30-1.30pm (Darwin)
1-2pm (Brisbane)
1.30-2.30 pm (Adelaide)
2-3pm (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart)

https://www.facebook.com/UnitingChurchAu

About the National Safe Church Unit

The National Safe Church Unit was created as part of the Uniting Church’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It is an expression of the whole of Church commitment to ensuring that all parts of the Uniting Church are places where all people can feel safe. This commitment spans ministry and mission contexts, including congregations, agencies, hospitals and schools.

The National Safe Church Unit works to provide the necessary resources and information to empower people across the life of the Church to grow and sustain a culture of safety.

For more information about the National Safe Church Unit and to contact the NSCU please visit safechurch.uca.org.au