A call for establishing Social Justice Committees

At the recent NSW/ACT Synod meeting in Newcastle, comments were made about the lack of proposals before Synod concerning issues of social justice.  There were two exceptions, a proposal concerning asylum seekers (from Mark Zimsak/David Pargeter) and another concerning the Synod’s  banking products in relation to coal fired power stations and climate change, which was put forward by our committee. 

To address this perceived lack, our committee has consulted with our Presbytery chairperson, Rev. Felicity Amery who agrees that a network of social justice committees throughout the Synod would produce a more concentrated approach to issues of justice in our world.  Such a committee, at Presbytery level, would require minimal funding but would need to have goals and expected outcomes in order to place before congregations issues of social justice, not simply be a group of like-minded people talking together.

The Uniting church through its Presbyteries should be a body where social justice issues are embraced because of our theology and purpose.  

‘We are called to live out the vision of Jesus for human wholeness…the love of God, made manifest for people in the experiences of dignity and respect, meaning and purpose in life, connection with the earth and all its creatures, health and security of person and inclusion in communities of care and participation in society.’   (Uniting Justice Statement (2009), An Economy of Life – Re-Imagining Human Progress for a Flourishing World)

We are calling on all Presbyteries, as well as interested individuals to take the next step in forming committees at Presbytery level, so that links between any existing committees can be encouraged;  or formed where they do not now exist.

Below is a list of our vision and ways we have encouraged congregations.  Let us step forth ‘on new and risky paths’.

Yours in Christ’s service
Helen  Weavers
Convenor
Social Justice Committee - Hunter Presbytery

About the Social Justice Committee

A  Justice committee in the Hunter Presbytery was formed in 2005 and first convenor was the Rev Dr Brian Brown.

The Hunter Presbytery’s Vision encourages congregations, through the Social Justice Committee, to recognise that our key theme is developing communities who respond with God’s justice and compassion for the whole of creation.

The Church’s role in the mission of God in the world requires us to be constantly asking how we might be good news in our own world.  We are challenged to do this in a way that acknowledges both the huge problems of economic poverty and the impoverishment of all peoples, through the tyranny of greed, violence and obsession, disconnecting us from each other and the natural world.
 
Activities have included:

 

  • Establishing a network of justice advocates in congregations, to be an advocate &  conduit for information.
  • Encouraging congregations to become more energy conscious & reduce their carbon footprint through the Lake Macquarie 10:10 Challenge.
  • Is conducting an audit of electricity use by congregations.
  • Encouraged the Presbytery to become ‘Fair Trade congregations’   to use Fair Trade products, tea, coffee & Easter eggs.
  • Pioneering partner in the formation of a Climate Change Network in Newcastle, a broad coalition of community groups working on sustainability and climate action.
  • Co-sponsored an election pamphlet for the NSW election with the Anglican Social Justice committee on justice issues.
  • Organised an ecumenical ‘Greening the Church’ seminar
  • Organised clergy breakfasts including a breakfast focusing on the Palestinian refugee situation in Lebanon.
  • Sponsored a visit by Constantine Dubbah from Gaza.
  • Made a response to support the Rural Chaplains’ submission  regarding the future of water use in the Murray Darling Basin. 
  • Organised a visit by John Bell of the Iona Community to the Hunter, promoting music with a social justice theme.
  • Continues to encourage local inter-faith & ecumenical activity

Committee Goals for 2011

 

  1. The Social Justice Committee will circulate or make available resources for congregations and other ministries to develop their understanding of and address issues such as climate change and the impact of the financial crisis.
  2. The Justice Committee will continue to hold before Presbytery, through Presbytery events and the Committees, current issues of justice as and when they arise.
  3. The Justice Committee will make available and promote opportunities for faith conversations in the wider community

 

Visit the Social Justice Committee webpage on the Hunter Presbytery website for contact details.