Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia reaffirms commitment to national principles for child protection

The Australian Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (AUC) has reaffirmed its full commitment to the Australian National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, recognising the moral, ethical and biblical mandate to protect children and ensure the Church is a safe, thriving community for all. 

According to church leaders, the AUC remains focused on protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every child and vulnerable adult—a commitment “grounded in the sacred calling of Micah 6:8”. It is not only a legal or organisational duty, “it reflects God’s heart for justice, compassion and humble leadership”.

“We cannot claim to walk with God while turning a blind eye to harm,” said AUC president Pastor Terry Johnson. “Our children deserve a church where safety is not negotiable, where leaders are accountable and where abuse has no place.” 

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia aims to foster child safety by promoting transparent governance, risk management, education, and the empowerment of children and families, following the 10 national principles. According to church leaders, “While the Church has been vigilant on this issue since 2000, this marks a clear step forward in creating a church community where all are safe, heard and valued.”

On May 28, as Pastor Johnson and the AUC Executive Committee signed the Statement of Commitment to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, he formally requested all conference presidents, church leaders, executive committees, church and school boards to: 

1. Sign the Statement of Commitment to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. 
2. Display the signed Statement of Commitment in the foyer or office of churches and schools. 
3. Apply and integrate the principles throughout all aspects of church or school activities. 
4. Promote a child-safe culture within your church or school. 
5. Remind persons in board member or child-related roles who have not previously completed any of their Adsafe requirements, to do so. On engaging with this process, they will need to read and sign the new Code of Conduct. Those who have engaged with the process previously, will be prompted to sign the new Code of Conduct at the same time as when their existing Adsafe Awareness training is due for renewal. Adsafe Awareness training is renewable every three years. 

“This is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a spiritual and moral imperative,” Pastor Johnson said. “Our faith calls us not only to believe but to act—to create communities where children can flourish without fear.”

“We believe in a thriving church where every child is protected, every voice is heard and every leader is accountable,” said Adsafe general manager Pastor Michael Worker. “Now is the time to stand together. For justice. For mercy. For our children.” 

For more information about signing the commitment for your church or school, visit the Adsafe website.