Update March 2025

We would like to provide an update on the matter of child safety in our fellowship.

Previous communications

• raising awareness of child sexual abuse;

• supporting victims/survivors of child sexual abuse; and

• developing a child-safe culture.

Progressing these initiatives remains important to us, as is the well-being of all past and present members of our fellowship.

In previous updates we have outlined some of the steps we are taking towards:

Listening and learning

We have been listening and learning about the impact of child sexual abuse in peoples’ lives and the fellowship, and educating ourselves on this difficult issue. We greatly appreciate those who have shared their experiences of abuse with us and we remain very mindful of the long-term impacts of such abuse. We recognise that each individual’s experience is different, and commit to continue engaging with all concerned.

While we are still learning, this reflection has provided us with greater clarity of what we need to consider when responding to allegations of child sexual abuse.

We are also considering how to incorporate recommendations from the relevant Australian/NZ Royal Commissions of Inquiry into our approach.

Going forward, we plan to apply these learnings as appropriate.

Regional considerations

We originally aimed to develop a standard approach that applied right across Australia and New Zealand. As we worked through this, we now see that a region-specific approach will better cater for the different conditions and requirements in each region.

As we move to a regional approach, the advisory group has now reached its conclusion as a group. We are very thankful for their contribution and advice that will help inform our way forward.

We will continue to seek independent/expert advice, and share what we learn with each other so we can make ongoing improvements.

• to be guided by the Word of God and the example of Christ;

• to comply with all legal requirements;

• to adhere to our commitment to child safety;

• to consider the perspective of victims/survivors of child sexual abuse; and

• to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Our guiding principles

Acknowledgement and apology

We acknowledge and apologise that this is taking much longer than expected. We also wish to thank everyone who is patiently waiting and praying for a way forward that fulfills both our scriptural and legal responsibilities for all concerned.

This update has been prepared in collaboration with a number of friends and fellow-workers, together with independent expert input, and is collectively endorsed by us all - Malcolm Clapham (VIC), Graeme Dalton (NSW), Wayne Dean (NZ), Trevor Joll (SA), Alan Mitchell (QLD) & Steve Thorpe (WA).