Apology from the Uniting Church in Western Australia to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
On the anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, I on behalf of the Uniting Church in WA, am so deeply sorry and unreservedly apologise to each one of you that we did not protect, listen to, nor care for you in accordance with our Christian values.
We want to acknowledge the loss, grief and harm that this cruel, criminal and appalling child sexual abuse has had on all of your lives; particularly the severe impact on your physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. We also regret that your children’s lives have been changed, and relationships have been broken by the enduring effects of abuse. We now understand that causing the loss of cultural and spiritual heritage is a form of abuse.
As a Church we say we believe you; what happened was not your fault and our commitment to you is to make sure no other children in our care or the care of our ministers or ministry programs ever suffer in the same way you have.
Rev David Jackson
Moderator, Uniting Church WA
Uniting Church in Australia – Remembering the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli has shared a statement and liturgy to mark the eight year anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on 22 October.
“As we approach the anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on 22 October, my heart turns to the voices of survivors. Their courage continues to shape us. Their pain and truth remind us that while important steps have been taken, there is still such a long way to go.”
You can read the UCA President’s statement and download the “Liturgy of Acknowledgement and Lament” resource for congregations and communities here – https://uniting.church/eighth-anniversary-of-the-national-apology/
Resources and Support
National Redress Support
A list of services in each State and Territory can be accessed at:
https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/help-support
24-hour telephone assistance is available through:
BeyondBlue
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
1300 224 636
MensLine
https://mensline.org.au/
1300 789 978
Lifeline
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
13 11 14
13YARN
https://www.13yarn.org.au/
13YARN (139276)
Uniting Church WA Culture of Safety team:
https://unitingchurchwa.org.au/culture-of-safety/royal-commissions/
[email protected]
08 9260 9800