Our Voice for Justice
The Uniting Church in Australia has always understood itself as being oriented towards justice, sharing in God’s mission which is the reconciliation of the world. Since its inception in 1977 the UCA has been speaking out on social and environmental issues of concern and engaging with governments on matters of public policy.
Statement to the Nation
At its first Assembly meeting in 1977 the UCA made a Statement to the Nation. This Statement was a declaration about the nature of the Church, what it would uphold as important in the world and how it would contribute to building a better world. The Statement:
- Affirmed the importance of every human being and a concern for the welfare of the whole human race.
- Pledged ourselves to seek the correction of injustices wherever they occur.
- Committed itself to the protection of the environment.
OUR VISION FOR A JUST AUSTRALIA
The Uniting Church statement “Our Vision for a Just Australia” expresses our hopes for Australia to be a nation that is just, compassionate, inclusive and courageous.
In launching the July 2021 update, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Rev Sharon Hollis said: "In the Uniting Church, and as followers of Jesus, we believe we are called to participate in God’s life-giving mission in the world. This calls us to be communities of justice and mercy, embodying God’s love, peace and reconciliation so that all people and all creation might share abundant life."
The statement is a collaboration of those engaged in working for justice across the Church and articulates the hopes and vision of the UCA in seven foundational areas.
CLIMATE JUSTICE
The Uniting Church seeks the flourishing of the whole of God's creation and all of God's creatures. We are particularly concerned about the threat of human-induced climate change on our planet. As Christians, we believe acting on climate change is a matter of justice. Read about the Assembly's commitments to reduce our impact and see our Towards Zero resources.
Central to the identity of the Uniting Church is a commitment to pursue a just and peaceful world, to uphold human rights for all people and to care for the environment. Live out this call to be a prophetic voice for justice in our church, our communities and our world.