Australian Church Affirms National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, recognizing its moral and biblical obligations.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
The Australian Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, at its recent Executive Committee meeting, reaffirmed its commitment to the Australian National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. This action underscores the moral and biblical responsibility to safeguard children and ensure the Church is a secure, thriving community for all members.
Grounded in the sacred calling of Micah 6:8, the Seventh-day Adventist Church remains focused on protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every child and vulnerable adult. This commitment is not only a legal or organisational duty—it reflects God’s heart for justice, compassion, and humble leadership.
“We cannot claim to walk with God while turning a blind eye to harm,” said Pastor Terry Johnson, Australian Union Conference President. “Our children deserve a church where safety is not negotiable, where leaders are accountable, and where abuse has no place.”
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia is dedicated to ensuring child safety through the implementation of transparent governance, comprehensive risk management strategies, educational initiatives, and the empowerment of children and families. This commitment aligns with the ten national principles. While the Church has been vigilant on this issue since 2000, this marks a clear step forward in creating a Church community where all are safe, heard, and valued.
Call to Action: A Leadership Mandate
As Pastor Johnson, together with the AUC Executive Committee, signed the Statement of Commitment to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, he formally called on all Conference Presidents, church leaders, executive committees, church and school boards to:
- Sign the Statement of Commitment to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
- Display the signed Statement of Commitment in the foyer or office of churches and schools.
- Apply and integrate the principles throughout all aspects of church or school activities.
- Promote a child safe culture within your church or school.
- Remind first-time ministry leaders and individuals in child-related roles that they are required to attend Code of Conduct training. Others must renew their training every three years and sign the updated Code of Conduct aligned to the national principles.
“This is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a spiritual and moral imperative. Our faith calls us not only to believe but to act—to create communities where children can flourish without fear”, Pastor Johnson concluded.
“We believe in a thriving church where every child is protected, every voice is heard, and every leader is accountable,” said Michael Worker, General Manager for Adsafe. “Now is the time to stand together. For justice. For mercy. For our children.”
For more information about signing the commitment for your church or school, visit www.adsafe.org.au
To read the Australian National Principles for Child Safe Organisations go to: https://www.childsafety.gov.au/resources/national-principles-child-safe-organisations.
For more information contact:
Michael Worker, General Manager, Adsafe
[email protected]
M: 0412 102 671
