Social Justice Commission – Expression of Interest for Commission Members
The Uniting Church Synod of WA is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people to fill membership vacancies on the Social Justice Commission.
- Uniting Church WA is a major Christian denomination in Western Australia
- Join a Commission helping the Church live out its commitment to reconciliation, justice and peace.
- We welcome people of different ages, backgrounds and levels of experience. Young adults are especially encouraged to consider nominating.
About the Commission
Are you passionate about a fairer, more compassionate society? The Social Justice Commission helps the Uniting Church in Western Australia respond faithfully and practically to issues of social concern. Its purpose is grounded in the Church’s commitment to reconciliation, justice and peace, and in the conviction that faith involves the Church in social and national affairs. As a Commission member, you can bring your perspective, questions, skills and lived experience to advocacy, research, public policy engagement, resources and action that make a practical difference.
Key accountabilities include:
- Helping the Uniting Church in Western Australia hold a vision of wholeness of life for all people, including human rights and integrity in public life.
- Standing alongside people at the fringe of society, including people who are poor, marginalised or oppressed.
- Encouraging the Church to understand issues of social concern and take practical action where appropriate.
- Bring a local perspective to international and national issues, and lead the Church’s response to local issues.
- Contributing to issue identification, research, position papers, submissions and representations to the Synod, government, public enquiries and other bodies.
- Helping organise or participate in seminars, conversations or events that engage people of the Church and wider community.
Key Skills and Attributes
The ideal candidate will bring skills or interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Social Justice Advocacy: interest or experience in advocacy, community organising, campaigning, or walking alongside people experiencing disadvantage or exclusion.
- Public Policy and Research: curiosity about social issues, ability to listen and learn, and willingness to help shape evidence-informed positions or submissions.
- Theological and Ethical Reflection: capacity to connect Christian faith, Uniting Church commitments, and contemporary social issues in a thoughtful and accessible way.
- Networks and Partnerships: interest in building relationships across the Church, ecumenically, and with community organisations working on common issues.
- Communication and Resource Development: ability to communicate clearly through reports, papers, public statements, resources, seminars, events or digital engagement.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: a collaborative approach, as the Uniting Church operates on a consensus model for decision-making.
You do not need to be an expert to contribute. We are keen to include and mentor younger adults and others with limited committee experience who bring curiosity, commitment and a passion for social justice.
While being a member of a church is not required, all Commission members must respect the ethos and polity of the Uniting Church.
The Commission meets at least six times each year, along with occasional seminars or events. Members are supported to participate, learn and grow in the role.
Enquiries can be made to the General Secretary, David Beards – [email protected] or 08 9260 9800