Justice News
UnitingJustice e-news 31 March 2010
UnitingJustice joins the campaign for a Robin Hood Tax
The Robin Hood Tax is a tiny tax on banks’ financial transactions that could raise hundreds of billions of dollars every year. This revenue could go toward domestic and global causes, such as achieving the Millennium Development Goals and assisting developing countries to adapt to the effects of climate change. The tax would also help to reduce volatility in financial markets, as it most strongly affects short term, speculative transactions.
An Economy of Life: Re-imagining human progress for a flourishing world, the statement adopted at the Uniting Church's 12th Assembly meeting in 2009, discusses the power of the 'financial machine' in our economy and society, stating 'this machine has so insinuated itself into our society that the collapse of just one part (the US financial sector), threatened disaster for people all over the world.' The Assembly then committed to call for the redevelopment of a global economic system that is regulated, transparent and accountable, for the wellbeing of people and the planet. Our support for a Robin Hood Tax is an important part of this commitment.
Click here to find out more and sign up to support the campaign at www.robinhoodtax.org.au
Click here to read our media release
From Uniting Network Australia: Invitation to 'Daring to Join'
The national conference of Uniting Network Australia is coming up in Melbourne in June of this year. For more information, and to register, go to http://unitingnetworkaustralia.org.au.
Uniting Network Australia is the national network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people, their families, friends and supporters within the Uniting Church in Australia.
upcoming events in South Australia
Rev. Elenie Poulos, National Director of UnitingJustice Australia, will be speaking at several events during Social Justice Week at Morialta Uniting Church in South Australia (Sunday 18 and Wednesday 21 April).
Christmas Island chaplaincy: a light in the darkness
Christmas Island is a tiny speck in the Indian Ocean, yet it will seem vast compared to some of the tight spaces Rev Christine Senini worked in. And she won’t have to sleep in a bunk bed.
The President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Alistair Macrae has added his name to the list of prominent Australians calling for reform to our asylum seeker policies. UnitingJustice has continually advocated for a more compassionate approach to these vulnerable members of our society.
UnitingJustice and the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has joined the chorus of voices calling for Constitutional recognition of the unique contribution that First Peoples have made to this country. Amendments to the Australian Constitution should also include removal of racist and discriminatory language and clauses. The open letter was accompanied by a submission to the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition made by UnitingJustice.
UJA Reference Committee member, Professor John Langmore, discusses the political momentum behind and the public benefits of introducing a financial transactions tax.
Rethink Refugees - watch UJA National Director, Rev. Elenie Poulos, reflecting on her work in refugee advocacy as part of Amnesty's information campaign
Preamble posters and Covenanting resources
Download or print your own here.
Position Vacant: Senior Media Officer
The Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia seeks to appoint an experienced media professional to the role of Senior Media Officer. Read more...
Churches solid on poker machine reform
The major Christian churches in Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to the Government’s proposed poker machine reform this morning in the face of Catholic priest Father Chris Riley’s apparent support for the inaccurate, well-funded industry campaign. Read more...