Displaying items by tag: Royal Commission

President Dr Deidre Palmer has renewed the Uniting Church’s apology to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, following the historic National Apology at Parliament House in Canberra.

“For anyone who was abused in the care of the Uniting Church, in our churches, schools or agencies, I’d again like to apologise sincerely. I am truly sorry that we didn’t protect and care for you in accordance with our Christian values,” said Dr Palmer.”

The President of the Uniting Church in Australia Stuart McMillan has today announced that the Uniting Church will opt in to the Federal Government’s National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Below is a Pastoral Statement on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse from the President of the Uniting Church in Australia Stuart McMillan.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Friday 10 March 2017 the Uniting Church in Australia will appear at a public hearing for Case Study 56 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse.

Survivors of child sexual abuse have courageously shared their stories via the Royal Commission’s website.

The President of the Uniting Church in Australia Stuart McMillan has welcomed the commitment by the Federal Government to develop a national approach to redress for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

The President of the Uniting Church in Australia Stuart McMillan has thanked Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for his commitment to a national redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse in Australian institutions.

“I warmly welcome Mr Shorten’s promise to establish a National Redress Scheme,” said Mr McMillan.

The Chair of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Justice Peter McClellan AM will address the Uniting Church in Australia’s 14th Assembly meeting in Perth next month.

Justice McClellan will address the meeting on Wednesday 15 July at the University of Western Australia.

The prayers that follow may be used individually as part of the regular Sunday Prayers
of the People or collectively on particular occasions. 
When collated into one prayer, it is suggested that each petition be followed by: 
Lord, hear us Lord, hear our prayer.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has today announced a public hearing into Knox Grammar School in Sydney and the Uniting Church in Australia.

The Uniting Church believes that God has given us the gift of the Spirit to "constantly correct that which is erroneous" in our life (Basis of Union, Para 18). Therefore, we will not hide from the truth, however painful that may be, and we will seek, with compassion and humility, to address whatever issues and challenges may emerge for us. We will say "sorry" to anyone who was sexually abused when in our care and, in consultation with those so affected, actively seek for ways to make amends for what happened in the past and identify how we can best offer support into the future. In all of this we are guided by the Word of God, remembering the teaching of the Apostle Paul: "Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable... think about these things" (Philippians 4:8).