The policy clarifies and supports the standards of conduct that the Uniting Church expects of its members, whose behaviour should be and be seen to be beyond reproach.

The policy also sets out the legal, moral and pastoral obligations for all Councils of the Uniting Church.

These include: that allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct involving a child under the age of consent must be immediately reported to the relevant Synod, and that it is the responsibility of Synods to ensure police are informed of any potential crime.

The policy will be reviewed again next year in light of any recommendations arising from the ongoing Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.