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Letter from Sharon Hollis 29 March 2019

Dear friends,
 
I am delighted to be able to advise that the Uniting Church in Australia has been officially recognised as an active participant in the National Redress Scheme for people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
 
The Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, notified the UCA on Friday that the Church has met the requirements to begin participation.
 
As you are aware, we have been committed to becoming active members of the Scheme since it was announced last year so this is truly welcome news.
 
I would like to endorse the comments made by National President of the Assembly Dr Deidre Palmer after we were notified of our successful application.
 
“First and most importantly I want to acknowledge those who have been waiting for this decision, which follows months of work and cooperation with Uniting Church bodies across the country, the Department of Social Services and other State and Federal government agencies” Dr Palmer said.
 
“I would also like repeat once more the sincere apology I and past Uniting Church Presidents have made to people who were abused in our care as children. I am truly sorry that we didn’t protect and care for you in accordance with our Christian values.”
 
You can find out more about the Scheme and how to access it at the UCA Redress website http://ucaredress.org.au/ or the federal government’s official site www.nationalredress.gov.au. You can also use the freecall line 1800 737 377. 
 
Grace and peace,
 
 
Sharon Hollis 
Moderator

AcceptanceInRedressScheme (last edited 2019-03-29 14:49:55 by DavidMorgan)