15th UCA Assembly
Strong Stance Against Domestic Violence
. . .
The 15th Assembly has adopted a statement that commits the Uniting Church to
repudiate all teaching and theologies that justify domestic violence.
Sessions heard emotional testimony from some of those affected by violent acts.
Standing Committee member Bethany Broadstock brought the resolution to tackle
what she called a worldwide social “epidemic” of domestic violence and “one of the
most urgent and pressing social issues of the nation and time”.
“We reject violence. We reject the complicity of the church and theology,” Ms Broad-
stock said.
Ms Broadstock acknowledged while many areas of the Church are already doing work
to combat d omestic violence that this was “another opportunity to say we will choose
liberation and life” while naming and confronting injustice.
A number of members gave strong statements of affirmation that the Church needed
to be doing more in this area.
The amended proposal was approved by consensus.
Day of Mourning
The 15th Assembly has resolved by consensus:
“To request members of the Uniting Church to support a Day of Mourning to occur on
the Sunday prior to 26th January each year, and to engage during worship services in
activities such as reflection and discussion of the profound effect of invasion and
colonisation on First Peoples.”
St Margaret’s News
8
July 2018