Noelene Osora
National Apology
On Monday 22 October 2018, the Prime Minister of Australia Hon Scott Morrison MP delivered a national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse at Parliament House, Canberra. The apology was made in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which delivered its final report to parliament on 15 December 2017.
Key messages from the National Apology
This short article provides a summary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse delivered in October 2018.
Royal Commission
On the 15th December 2017, the final report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was released inclusive of the 409 recommendations which aim to make institutions safer for children. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was established in response to allegations of sexual abuse of children in institutional contexts that had been emerging in Australia for many years. The then Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard, MP, announced the decision to establish a Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse on 12 November 2012. Read more here
Since the release of the Royal Commission recommendations, the NCCA secretariat along with the NCCA Safe Church Program team have worked with its member churches, government organisations, parachurch ministries and service providers to implement the recommendations.
The National Council of Churches is committed to listening to the voices of survivors of abuse and is committed to a zero tolerance approach to Child Sexual Abuse.
Please refer to the following links:
Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said the research report, Key Elements of a child-safe organisation – Research study will assist institutions to prevent, identify and improve responses to physical, sexual, emotional/psychological abuse and the neglect of children.
Early in the inquiry it became apparent that some issues should be reported on before the inquiry was complete to give survivors and institutions more certainty on these issues and enable governments and institutions to implement our recommendations as soon as possible. Consequently, the following reports were submitted: Criminal justice, Redress and civil litigation and Working With Children Checks.
Over 8,000 survivors or people directly impacted by child sexual abuse in institutions attended private sessions at the Royal Commission and shared their experiences and recommendations with Commissioners. Many gave consent for their accounts to be published as short narratives.
Solidarity, Prayers and Action in Pandemic
Prayer: National Prayer to end the Pandemic
Reflection: from Rev Ian Smith, Executive Officer Victorian Council of Churches (VCC)
Candles at curfew: As Melbourne enters Stage 4 restrictions.
Pray for Beirut, Lebanon
On Tuesday 4 August, explosions tore through a port warehouse in Beirut, Lebanon killing more than 150 people and injuring thousands.
The NCCA offers our condolences to the victims and their families at this dreadful time. We encourage our member Churches to pray for those grieving, injured and homeless.
President's reflection
Thursday 6 August 2020
An anniversary of two kinds of Light. One of wonder, the other of terror.
In support of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Interfaith Open Letter - 75 anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The NCCA joins leaders of faith groups and organisations across Australia in urging the Australian Government to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
ACRT
Access to COVID-19 safety net
Victorian Government assistance for temporary and provisional visa holders - coronavirus (COVID-19)
Act for Peace
Ration Challenge 2020
Join the challenge Sunday 13 – Saturday 19 September 2020
More than one in every 100 people on Earth have been forced from their homes by conflict or disaster.
Sign up now for the Ration Challenge. Let’s show we really are #inthistogether
#End COVID for All campaign
Australian Church Leaders raise their voices
Micah Australia has asked Australian Christian Leaders to sign a joint letter to the Prime Minister on COVID-19 and the Aid Budget.
NCCA President, Bishop Philip Huggins has added his signature to this letter and has become an Ambassador in the #End COVID for All campaign
Safe Church Program
Save the date
Safeguarding Leadership Introductory Session for National Church Leaders
This CPSL training was piloted in partnership with National Council of Churches Australia—Safe Church Program.
Dates: 30 September - 1 October 2020
