Justice News
Economic Justice
Christians believe that the world is God's gracious gift to humankind and that God’s offer of life is abundance for all. As recipients of this gift we have a responsibility to care for the planet and ensure that all can share in what it provides but human society has failed to provide equitably for all people. The ancient Hebrew prophets understood this failure as an offence to God and called on the people of God to end the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable. In Jesus, God’s bias for the poor found its fullest expression. Jesus came to bring good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed (Luke 4:16-19) and he spoke of God’s kingdom to come in which the human order of life would be reversed: the poor will be rich, the hungry fed, the sorrowful will be filled with joy and the powerful will be the least. Christians are called to reflect this coming reign of God, to work for justice and serve those most in need.
The Uniting Church believes that people are entitled to a decent life, secure from poverty. This includes access to appropriate food, clothing, housing, health care, meaningful work in a safe environment and with decent wages, quality education and the opportunity to participate in society as members of harmonious communities. It also includes opportunities for rest and recreation. When all these basic needs are fulfilled, people flourish.
The Uniting Church advocates for just economic, social and employment policies which fulfil Australia’s international human rights obligations and serve, first and foremost the needs of those most vulnerable.
What's new
Economy of Life Worship Resources
These prayers have been prepared by the Uniting Church in Australia’s Assembly Working Group on Worship.
They are inspired by the theology and the ideas of the statement An Economy of Life: Re-imagining human progress for a flourishing world which was adopted by the Twelfth Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia in July 2009.
Federal Election 2010
The themes they address make them particularly suitable for use in worship and private prayer in conjunction with the Federal Election 2010 resources prepared for Church members by the Assembly – Building an Economy for Life: your faith, your vote, your voice.
Click here to download these resources in Word
UnitingJustice Australia has joined a growing international movement calling for the introduction of a tiny tax on financial transactions – the 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, a 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 one important manifestation of this commitment. Click here to read our media release.
Find out more and sign up to support the campagin at www.robinhoodtax.org.au
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...