A Safe Church

 

We would like to maintain Killara Uniting Church as a safe place to visit and worship.

 

Following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and in line with other community institutions, Australian churches are forming procedures to avoid risk of abuse such as has happened in the past within institutions, including churches. Abuse can take various forms, including bullying and neglect, and is not limited to that directed towards children, but extends to anyone in a vulnerable situation.

 

If you believe that someone within our church has acted wrongly towards you, whether it be harassment, bullying or more serious abuse, the procedure is:

 

• Inform a one of our Church’s Safe Church Contact people. Safe Church contacts are: Revd Yangrae Son (0412 031 921), Rosalind Hobbes (0408 499 029), Dr Andrew Wines (0409 437 401), and Julie Sekhon (0400 631 739).  He/she will discuss the situation with you and the process to move forward.  Action may involve counselling, changing church structures, or further referral.

 

• If the abuse was serious, and subject to Government legislation, our Church is obliged to report it to the appropriate authorities. Reporting is mandatory.

 

 

There is a yellow Safe Church folder in the Church Office. This includes a document entitled ‘Information and Referral Services’ which can be consulted by any Church member at any time.