The Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod is concerned by recent media reports regarding the Religious Freedom Review completed by The Hon. Philip Ruddock.
The reporting speculates that religious schools would “turn away gay students and teachers under changes to federal anti-discrimination laws.”
We believe that every person is precious and made in the image of God. This proposal does not seem to reflect this core value of the Uniting Church. We recognise the pluralist society in which we live and embrace this diversity in our ministry. There are positive examples of Uniting Church schools implementing policies and procedures to ensure students and staff are included.
The church acknowledges and celebrates the significant role schools play in the holistic formation of children and young people and recognises the professionalism, commitment and skill of the staff who make this possible. We will not impose any requirement on our schools to exclude students or staff based on gender identity.
I encourage you to read the Education and Ministry in Uniting Church Schools and Residential College’s policy statement that highlights the principles guiding the participation of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod in schools and residential colleges.
The Uniting Church’s position, as conveyed in our submission to the Ruddock Review, is that every person is equal before the law and before God.
It is our longstanding position that religious freedoms in Australia will be best protected through a broad overarching legislative framework.
Blessings,
(Rev) David Baker
Moderator
Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod
