The Social Justice Forum (SJF) was set up under the church’s agency Uniting as a committee to advise the Synod of NSW and the ACT and its community services, and work with them to identify and support people most in need. SJF believes social justice engagement is integral to Christian discipleship, and continues a tradition of advocacy in the church through public and online actions.
The forum, supported by a three-person staff team, has three main roles: campaigns to recommend priorities for social justice action and advocacy initiatives; capacity building to encourage and support all parts of the church to engage in social justice activity; and communication to share and promote relevant work happening in the Synod.
Major campaigns in 2018
Give Hope – Uniting for Asylum Seekers: This campaign advocates with other Synods and NGO partners for a more compassionate response to people seeking asylum. It seeks increased humanitarian refugee intake, effective onshore processing, workable regional solutions and practical support for newcomers. We’ve taken action through public rallies, community discussions, political advocacy and support appeals. Give Hope Facebook
Affordable Housing: A major campaign in partnership with Sydney Alliance, aiming especially to win affordable rental targets in new developments. Activities have included community forums, public rallies, submissions, political and online advocacy. Watch for news of a major public action in Penrith on March 17! Affordable Housing Campaign
Drug Law Reform: This campaign arose from Synod decisions backing advocacy for increased support for harm and demand reduction, and decriminalisation of personal drug use. The SJF team will engage with congregations and over 50 NGO partners around a major Uniting public awareness campaign in 2018. Drug law reform campaign
SJF has also played a supporting role in campaigns on gambling reform, sustainable energy, domestic and family violence, and child obesity and nutrition – and expects to continue this support. If you have any ideas, suggestions or offers of help, we look forward to hearing from you!
