The Australian Church affirms the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, recognising our 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 AUC Executive Committee is focused on creating a church community where all are safe, heard and valued}

 

Melbourne, 28 May 2025 – The Australian Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today reaffirmed its full commitment to the Australian National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, recognising the moral, ethical and biblical mandate to protect children and ensure the Church is a safe, thriving community for all.

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 aims to foster child safety by promoting transparent governance, risk management, education, and the empowerment of children and families, following 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.

 

^{Pastor Johnson signing the Statement of Commitment.}

Call to Action: A Leadership Mandate

Today, as Pastor Johnson, together with the AUC Executive Committee, signed the Statement of Commitment to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, he formally requested all Conference Presidents, church leaders, executive committees, church and school boards to:

1. Sign the Statement of Commitment to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
2. Display the signed Statement of Commitment in the foyer or office of churches and schools.
3. Apply and integrate the principles throughout all aspects of church or school activities.
4. Promote a child safe culture within your church or school.
5. Remind persons in board member or child-related roles who have not previously completed any of their Adsafe requirements, to do so. On engaging with this process, they will need to read and sign the new Code of Conduct. Those that have engaged with the process previously, will be prompted to sign the new code of conduct at the same time as when their existing Adsafe Awareness training is due for renewal. Adsafe Awareness training is renewable every three years.

“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:
www.childsafety.gov.au/resources/national-principles-child-safe-organisations

 

For more information contact:

Michael Worker, General Manager, Adsafe

 

Published articles:

Adventist Record - 2nd June 2025