The Uniting Church in Australia has articulated its vision for a just, compassionate and inclusive nation in a new statement and resource.
In launching the statement, Dr Deidre Palmer, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, said the Uniting Church’s vision for Australia was a nation where all people and all creation could flourish.
“We believe that our participation in God’s mission calls us toward the transformation that God desires for us all, marked by reconciliation, love, justice, peace, abundance and flourishing for all people and the whole earth,” said Deidre.
The Uniting Church Vision Statement for a Just Australia is a collaboration of those working in justice across the church, including in Synods, Agencies and the Assembly.
The statement’s release has been timed with the lead up to the Federal election.
“Articulating our vision for Australia at this time is critical,” said Deidre.
“Many of the issues identified in this document will be prominent in public debate as Australians consider the leadership they want for our country.”
She urged people to think deeply and engage in conversations about the kind of nation we want to be and to reflect on where our faith in Jesus is calling us to seek out justice for all.
The vision statement is expressed in seven foundational areas. It includes witness from the Bible and statements made by the Uniting Church.
There is a snapshot of the current situation in Australia across the seven foundations and key actions that are needed to move us toward the vision.
The resource is intended to assist people who want to think about the issues in small groups or host public forums with local candidates ahead of the Federal election.
Each section of the statement includes key questions for reflection or to engage with political candidates.
“I commend this resource to congregations and Uniting Church members, as we seek to live out our Christian discipleship in every aspect of our lives,” said Deidre.
“As followers of Christ, each one of us is called to be a voice for justice and hope in our communities, in Australia and in the world.”
Read and download the statement at https://uniting.church/visionstatement2019/