Safer Churches Conference 2019

The 9th biennial Safer Churches Conference will be the first conference held by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) Safe Church Program since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations were released in December 2017.

​The theme for the conference, “Transforming Cultures: Listening, Reflecting, Acting” will provide the framework across the two-day event. 

There have been many conferences held since the release of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations, across a variety of sectors. However, the NCCA Safer Churches Conference will focus on ensuring Australian churches are informed by key leaders, who are experts in this area in Australia.  Information will be delivered on the implementation of the recommendations as well as the very important process of cultural change, both in our churches and religious organisations. 

​In addition, there will be opportunities for open, facilitated conversations, with a strong emphasis on promoting deep, cultural changes for the whole church.  

​Mr Joel McKerrow, internationally acclaimed poet, speaker and activist, will bring theological reflection to the conference, drawing upon his wisdom and insight.

​The key themes explored during the conference will include:  

• ​exploring the churches’ obligation to the vulnerable, particularly those with disabilities and the elderly

• being inclusive of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Indigenous groups within our community

• listening to the voices of children and survivors, and understanding ‘Trauma Informed Practice’ and the complexities of spiritual abuse

• creating a culture of child safety throughout our Christian organisations. 

​This conference will host some of Australia’s leading experts, who have worked tirelessly on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations, National Principles, Trauma Informed Practice, research, church leadership governance and cultural diversity.

If you are committed to the journey of developing significant cultural change and want to engage in these issues, then this is not a conference to miss!