Justice News
UnitingJustice e-news 4 May 2010
‘Be a lifesaver – protect refugees’ on Saturday 8 May
Australia has a proud history of helping refugees fleeing war and persecution. But in 2010, in the lead up to a Federal election, our politicians are trampling on this record and punishing these most desperate of people to score political points.
On Saturday 8 May, people around the country are gathering to form a giant human life ring, and show our politicians on all sides that they've got it wrong - Australians do care about saving lives and we won't accept punishment of people to win votes.
Events are taking place in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, organised by Amnesty International Australia and supported by UnitingJustice Australia alongside many other organisations.
Click here to find out more about these events.
Government misses the mark on human rights
On 21 April, the Federal Attorney-General announced the Government’s response to the report of the National Human Rights Consultation. Although several of the recommendations from report have been taken on board, we are very disappointed that the Government has failed to listen to the overwhelming community support for a Human Rights Act.
Click here to read our media release in response to the Attorney-General's announcement.
Government backdown on climate change action a failure of moral leadership
The Federal Government recently announced its decision to delay the introduction of an emissions trading scheme in Australia until 2013, and its intention only to do so if there is “sufficient international action”. We are extremely disappointed with this decision, which flies in the face of the strong mandate for immediate action on climate change given to the Government by the Australian community when we elected them in 2007. The Government has admitted that the delay will make meeting our emissions reductions targets more expensive in the longer term.
Click here to read our media release in response to this decision.
Resources for Jubilee Sunday, 16 May
May 16, the Feast of the Ascension, is Jubilee Sunday. Scripture tells us that Jesus’ ministry in our world was finished and he was handing over to us, his followers, to continue his work for God’s Kingdom.
On Jubilee Sunday, we are asked to focus on one of the root causes of endemic global poverty – the unjust and unpayable debts of many countries.
Resources to help you mark the day are available on the Jubilee Australia website.
Add your name to the Micah Call
On 21 June Micah Challenge are holding the Voices for Justice Signature Event in the Great Hall of Parliament House, where a giant scroll of Micah Call signatures will rolled out, demonstrating the strong body of support in Australia for the aims of Micah Challenge. This scroll will be presented to the PM and the Leader of the Opposition.
Add your signature to the scroll at the Micah Challenge website.
'What makes for a good city?' event in Sydney, Mon 10 May
Our National Director, Rev. Elenie Poulos, is presenting a paper at the What makes for a good city? event at the Centre for Ministry, North Parramatta, Sydney, on Monday 10 May.
This paper, titled Good Cities: New directions for church engagement in Australia’s policy, will examine some of current government and non-government activity around the development of public policy for sustainable cities. What's happening and who is working on it? Then it will look at why the Church should or could engage in this area of public policy. What, if anything, does the Church have to contribute and explore how we might engage with the work being done - where are the opportunities and how can we meet others with a fresh and exciting voice that offers a significant contribution to this endeavour?
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...