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UnitingJustice Australia is the justice unit of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, pursuing national matters of social and economic justice, human rights, peace and the environment. It engages in advocacy and education and works collaboratively to communicate the Church's vision for a reconciled world. Read more...
Uniting Justice Australia
Church leaders voice concerns over wellbeing of asylum seekers on Christmas Island
Media release, 2 March 2010
President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Alistair Macrae and Anglican Archbishop of Perth, the Most Rev. Roger Herft have voiced concerns for the wellbeing of asylum seekers on Christmas Island following a recent visit.
A delegation of church leaders visited Christmas Island last week to see first-hand the conditions under which asylum seekers are detained, and to meet with key personnel and asylum seekers.
Rev. Macrae described the facilities as “basic but adequate for short-term needs. Accommodation overcrowding was clearly evident.” Rev. Macrae said, “It is disturbing to approach the detention centre, which is surrounded by a high fence topped with electrified wire. It looks like a high security prison.”
An Economy of Life - booklets now available for church members
The Twelfth Assembly meeting of the Uniting Church in Australia adopted a statement which discusses on how we understand human progress and our relationship with the natural world, titled An Economy of Life: Re-imagining human progress for a flourishing world.
UnitingJustice now has copies of An Economy of Life in a colourful, bright booklet available for church members. They can be ordered (free of charge) by contacting UnitingJustice on 02 8267 4236 or
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.
A PDF version of the booket is available here
Pamphlets and other resources to assist church members to engage with and use the statement will be available in the coming months.
This booklet is the latest in a suite of resources produced for church members which outline the Assembly’s main justice policies. You can see the full suite of resources here, and hard copies are from UnitingJustice free of charge.
Daring to Join
Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum
The Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF), a World Council of Churches program, is a platform that rallies churches together enabling them to coordinate their efforts and initiatives for a just peace in Palestine-Israel. The PIEF has a new website, http://pief.oikoumene.org, and monthly newsletter.
Government urged to reinstate Racial Discrimination Act in the NT
The National Assembly of the Uniting Church has added its endorsement to a letter to the Prime Minster, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Attorney General urging for the immediate reinstatement of the operation of the Racial Discrimination Act in relation to all aspects of the Northern Territory Intervention.
A copy of the letter can be downloaded here
News and comment on a Human Rights Act for Australia
The federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, has released the report from the National Human Rights Consultation.
The report recommends that Australia should enact a Human Rights Act, with further key recommendations including the development of a national human rights education plan, auditing of all legislation, policies and practices to ensure they comply with human rights, and the establishment of a Joint Committe on Human Rights to review all legislation for compliance with human rights. The report from the consultation is available here.
Following on from the release of this report, the Uniting Church has been active in expressing its support for a Human Rights Act. For more, click here
UnitingJustice Australia has also produced a briefing paper which outlines the current state of play, explains the Uniting Church's support for a Human Rights Act and addresses some common concerns about a Human Rights Act.
Download this paper in PDF
Download this paper in Word
Prayer resources for Sorry Day and the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation (26 May - 3 June) from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission available here on the NATSIEC website
From the World Council of Churches - 'WCC calls on churches to "renew efforts" for a fair climate deal'
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From the World Council of Churches - multimedia study series on gender violence launched for Lent: The study resources offer a weekly film focusing on the lives of women in various parts of the world, including India, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and South Africa. Each film is accompanied by a Bible study, a fact sheet, discussion starters and worship resources.
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From JustAct in VicTas Synod: JustEndChristianPersecution - take action to assist Dr Alexis Montes, a lay leader in the health ministry of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and his health worker colleagues.
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Position Vacant: Solidarity and Justice Officer, UCA South Australia (half-time position). The Solidarity and Justice Officer will resource the Church through education, advocacy and networking across a wide range of justice issues and commitments addressed by the Church.
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UnitingCare Australia Opposes Involuntary Income Management (25 Nov 2009): Uniting Care Australia National Director Lin Hatfield Dodds has called today for the Australian Government to focus on delivering effective support for disadvantaged and vulnerable families.
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