Social justice
While WVUC does not run programs as such, its members are actively involved in many aspects of social justice and environmental activism. WVUC encourages its members as they are active in social justice activities, making the following a living part of their Christian journey:
Fearless in advocacy and energetic in action in support of social justice, reconciliation, peace and wise environmental stewardship, locally, nationally and globally.
WVUC has a commitment to understanding its actions for social justice in a theological context. For example of this in action, see Rev John Squires' article in the August 2021 issue of Viewpoint magazine on the overriding importance of justice, and the theology of advocacy.
Ongoing Projects and Groups |
Our long-held goal to build Supported and Affordable Rental Housing on the “Block”. |
It has become increasingly obvious over recent years that Canberra suffers an acute shortage of supported housing and of affordable rental housing. Our congregation holds the lease on underutilised land in Curtin - the “Block”, opposite the Curtin Shops on the corner of Theodore and Carruthers Streets - and for some years now we have been endeavouring to see it used for these much needed forms of housing.
(see our page for more information about this on going project - or visit www.wesleycurtin.au )
Against the Wind |
Against the Wind is an initiative of members of Woden Valley Uniting Church and people concerned with justice. It is endorsed by Church Council but acts independently.
Two of the objectives of Against the Wind are to advocate for:
- Fairer and non-exploitative Australian legislation at all tiers of government
- Issues that are getting little support in Government or for which there are few advocates.
(see their page to read more.)
Link to blog posts on current news relating to social justice in our local area |
Our stance and involvement with Social Justice Causes |
WVUC's stance on the following are summarised here to give a reference point for what we believe to be injustice within the world, and to state our intent to use our voice to protest that which is wrong, and to continuously see practical change for the better in the world about us.
Climate Change: |
WVUC, and the Uniting Church in Australia as a whole, endorses the need for climate action now. It applauds its school age members for participating in the Student Strike for Climate Change and members of all ages active in the Uniting Climate Action Network. The recent Season of Creation provided an opportunity to think more deeply about care for the whole of creation.
(For more on this visit the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change)
WVUC's participate in protests and other community action |
This year members of the Woden Valley Uniting Church participated in the Canberra Wave as part of the Rising Tide 2024 blockade.
We are asked the question of the Prime Minister, “When will you stop new coal and gas?”
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: |
WVUC strongly supports the work of Canberra Refugee Support and Companion House, as well as the Palm Sunday Rally in support of Refugees and Asylum Seekers and other protests from time to time.
(For more on this visit the Canberra Refugee Action Committee Facebook page)
Canberra Presbytery Social Justice Group |
Several people from WVUC are members of the Canberra Presbytery Social Justice Group, a major area of interest of which is drug law reform. The group has played a part in the development of the Uniting Church NSW/ACT and Uniting’s Fair Treatment Campaign which seeks safer, fairer laws and policies.
Gaza: |
WVUC members have been involved in working for peace and justice in Palestine. You will find information on activities on the Against the Wind page and some good theological reflection on our Growing in Faith page.
