Uniting Church Child Safe Week: 5-11 September

Every child and young person in our Church deserves to feel and be safe, to thrive and be healthy. Join others across the Church for the first Uniting Church Child Safe Week from 5-11 September and Child Safe Sunday on 5 September. 

The National Safe Church Unit has asked a number of young UCA members what it means to them to be safe. We hear from Eve, a UCA member from Brisbane, and Kani, a UCA member from Sydney. Keep reading below for how you can participate. 

“Being a safe Church – physically, emotionally and spiritually caring for each other – is how we live our calling as Christians to love God with our whole selves and show that love of all people,” says Rev John Cox, Director of the National Safe Church Unit.

“This Week reminds us of this commitment, gives us an opportunity to share the ways we are living this in our congregations and other spaces, and asks us to reflect on how we can improve."

There are many ways to take part in UCA Child Safe Week.

• Create awareness in your community or congregation
  You might use Child Safe Sunday on 5 September to raise awareness of our shared commitment as a Church to keeping children and young people safe, and include child safe messages in worship. Download Child Safe Sunday worship and prayer resources here.

• Encourage children and young people to get creative
  Encourage participation in Child Safe Week art activities and display artworks in your space. You can even share them with the National Safe Church Unit for sharing across the Church - and a chance to be included in the 2022 Safe Church e-calendar! Download the colouring in sheets here.

• Join the conversation
  Rev John Cox, National Director of the Safe Church Unit, and Sarah Lim, National Director of UCA Redress Ltd, will together host an online forum for ministry agents looking at what we are doing as a Church to safeguard children and young people; trauma-informed response; and grooming. Wednesday 8 September, from 12-1pm. Email to register.

“I invite every congregation, Presbytery and Synod to take part, even if at the moment there are no children or young people in your congregation or UCA space", says John.

“Our commitment reaches out into our families and communities, supporting them to be safe places. The safety of children and young people is everybody’s business.”

"Being aware, being vigilant and modelling respectful behaviours is how we protect children and young people.”

“Each Synod has processes and training to live our child safe commitment. This is our opportunity to support that work and play our part in strengthening a culture of safety in our Church. Save the date, plan how you will participate – and thank you in advance.”

Click below to head to the National Safe Church website and find out more.