Anglican Social Responsibilities

26/05/2026

Today is National Sorry Day. This day commemorates the anniversary of the First Sorry Day in 1998, following the ‘Bringing Them Home’ Report, and acknowledges the great injustice and ongoing pain experienced by the stolen generations.

The theme or call of Sorry Day 2026 is 'From Sorry to Action". A reminder that words, on their own, are not enough.

Today especially, we pray this prayer written by the Aboriginal and Islander Commission National Council of Churches in Australia 2002.

"Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image, lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past. You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven.

"We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families.

"We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness.

"Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits. In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.

"Lord, you are our hope. Amen"

You can read more about the Diocese of Perth’s recently launched Reconcilitation Action Plan here: https://www.perth.anglican.org/rap

01/05/2026

Our prayers are with the families and communities of Kumanjayi Little Baby at this time. May her little soul rest in peace.
🌅🙏😓

Our thoughts are with the families and communities of Kumanjayi Little Baby at this time.

30/04/2026

How can Church communities contribute to building peace-full relations between and with each Other?

Let’s come together, all of us.

Let’s remember who we are: humans — and that means we are essentially the same, no matter what culture, belief, or faith we assign to.
We are all very much the same in some vital ways.

As humans, we all need love, friendship, food, and a sense of belonging.

Instead of categorically defining the Other, how about we recognise what it is that we share — what makes us the same?
Because this is the ground we can meet on, the common ground.

JUSTICE HIVE 🐝
Listening for Peace, Confronting Racism
The next Justice Hive gathering is on Saturday 2 May at Uniting WA – 10/5 Aberdeen Street, Perth starting at 10.30am.
The theme for our Hive is “Listening for Peace, Confronting Racism”
In the face of escalating war, racism and intolerance of the Other, how might our congregations and communities be built for Peace? The Social Justice Commission invite you to conversations on how we might transform church and society into a reflection of the inclusive and equitable reign of God. Engage with three migrants from different religious traditions: John Na’em Snobar, Palestinian Christian; Maryam Eshghi, Iranian Baha’i; and Kevin Koay, Malaysian, Uniting Church.
This gathering will finish with a shared lunch. We look forward to welcoming you.
https://unitingchurchwa.org.au/event/social-justice-hive-gathering-3/

Social Justice UCWA

17/04/2026

Brothers and sisters in Christ united in calling for peace. We must work and pray for peace on earth.🙏

I stand with my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace.

As I prepare to visit Rome later this month to meet and pray with Pope Leo, I am mindful of his call to keep our eyes open to the suffering of the world, and our gaze fixed on our crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ – the image of the invisible God, in whose image and likeness every human being is made. In him, we recognise that we are children of the one Father and members of a single human family. Prayer is not an escape from the world, nor a turning away from injustice; rather, it is a turning towards God in the midst of it, confronting evil, seeking God’s will, and becoming instruments of transformation and peace.

Read my full statement on my website.

14/04/2026

The Noongar season of Djeran brings a reprieve from the intense heat, and the cooler weather begins as light breezes swing in from the south. Beautiful banksias, like this Tennis ball Banksia found on the Ravensthorpe Range and Fitzgerald River National Park, display their flowers providing nectar for birds and small mammals.

If you would like to learn more about Djeran and the six Noongar Seasons, visit our Learning Hub:
recwa.org.au/hub

Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

11/04/2026

Prayers for Peace at St George's Cathedral, Perth — March 29, 2026

We give thanks for all who contributed to this gathering — our speakers, our clergy, and the many who came together in prayer.

Across different traditions and experiences, each voice offered something unique, yet all were united in a shared call to peace, compassion, and faithful action.

It was a gift to see both familiar faces and new ones, gathering side by side — a reminder that community continues to grow, even in uncertain times.

Thank you to all who showed up, who listened, who prayed, and who continue to carry this call into the world.

A special thanks goes to The Right Reverend Hans Christiansen for leading our prayers, and to The Very Reverend Chris Chataway for providing us the Cathedral space to gather in.

Thank you to the Reverend Dr Bill Leadbetter, Convenor of SRC, for shaping this year’s Prayers for Peace, and for bringing the theme Who Is My Neighbour? to the heart of the gathering.

Thank you to The Reverend Mitchell Garlett for the meaningful Welcome to Country.

And to our ecumenical partners, guest speakers, and presenters — many of whom are church leaders and pillars of the community — thank you for your time, your wisdom, and your prayers.

Until we meet again at next year’s Prayers for Peace — go well, and go in peace.

11/04/2026

Prayers for Peace at St George's Cathedral, Perth — March 29, 2026

The Gospel conclusion — Bishop Hans

Reading: Luke 10:36–37
“Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Bishop Hans brought the Gospel to its conclusion with this final exchange — drawing us back to the question at the heart of the gathering, Who Is My Neighbour?

His reflection called us beyond reflection alone, and into action — a reminder that the call of the Gospel is not simply to understand, but to show up, to act, and to live it out.

“Go and do likewise.”

10/04/2026

Prayers for Peace at St George's Cathedral, Perth — March 29, 2026

Our fifth speaker — Jo Vallentine (Quaker)

Reading: Luke 10:34–35
“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.”

Jo Vallentine, a Quaker, long-time advocate for peace and the environment, and former senator, reflected on this part of the Gospel — where compassion is not only felt, but lived out through action.

Her reflection drew us into what it means to embody faith in practical, tangible ways — to care, to accompany, and to take responsibility for the wellbeing of others.

It was a powerful reminder that love of neighbour is expressed through action — through care, commitment, and a willingness to take responsibility for another’s wellbeing.

10/04/2026

Prayers for Peace at St George's Cathedral, Perth — March 29, 2026

Our fourth speaker — The Reverend Ken Devereux (Chair of the Uniting Presbytery of WA)

Reading: Luke 10:33
“But a Samaritan, while travelling, came upon him; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion.”

The Reverend Ken Devereux, from the Uniting Church and Chair of the Presbytery of WA, reflected on this turning point in the Gospel — where compassion interrupts indifference.

His reflection drew us into what it means to be moved with compassion, not as a feeling alone, but as something that calls us to respond.

It was a moving and inspiring reflection, reminding us that compassion is not passive — it is active, it is embodied, and it shapes how we respond to the needs of others and the world around us.