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.
Key Assembly Documents
 | The Uniting Church as Employer Principles Assembly Standing Committee March 2008 |
| Integrity and Justice in Employment Relationships National Assembly July 2006 |
| Unethical Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes Assembly Standing Committee March 2004 |
| A Call for Justice Concerning Employment National Assembly July 1994 |
| Trade Unions, Professional Organisations and Employer Associations National Assembly July 1991 |
| Economic Justice National Assembly May 1985 |
| Investment Policy National Assembly May 1982 |
News from the World Council of Churches: The message that climate changes threatens human rights and must therefore be considered an ethical issue will be brought to the United Nations Climate Change Conference currently under way in Poznan, Poland by a delegation representing the World Council of Churches (WCC).
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Detention report falls short of Government's own standards: The Uniting Church has today expressed disappointment with some of the recommendations handed down from the recent parliamentary inquiry into immigration detention in Australia.
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Why Christians care about human rights: a speech delivered by UnitingJustice national director, Rev. Elenie Poulos, at the University of the Third Age Human Rights Forum, 20 November 2008
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aboutFACE09 is an exciting opportunity for young adults to build relationships with people from another culture, share faith, and grown in Christian discipleship. Young adults between 18-30 will choose to be placed in either an Aboriginal Australian Community or with one of our Partner Churches in the Asia-Pacific region. Applications close on 13 February 2009.
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JustHolyHardware is for people who do not want to buy Christian devotional items made under gross exploitation. By supporting JustHolyHardware you can strengthen the call made by the Justice & International Mission Unit of the Uniting Church in Victorian and Tasmania (and others) to Christian communities, retailers and suppliers that they should work together to try to ensure that the fundamental human dignity of those who make Christian-related products are respected.
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Western Australia: The Uniting Church has voiced strong concerns about the new Liberal Government's decision to lift the ban on uranium mining within WA.
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