Synod Response: Recent Attacks at Wakeley Church
In light of the recent stabbing of a Priest in the Assyrian Church yesterday, we share concern for the wellbeing of all worshipping communities in all religions and denominations.
To all Uniting Church Congregations, faith communities and Parish Missions,
In light of the recent stabbing of a Priest in the Assyrian Church yesterday, we share concern for the wellbeing of all worshipping communities in all religions and denominations. Although completely unrelated, this attack, and the tragedy at Bondi, reminds us how fragile and precious life is.
The Synod of NSW and ACT joins our congregations, parish missions and faith communities in praying for all who have been traumatised, and/or grieving the shocking death of their loved ones.
The incident at the Assyrian Church was one individual, reacting to a specific church and situation. While it has been declared an act of terrorism, the national terrorism rating has seen no change, nor is any change foreseen.
All congregations and entities should have an Emergency Plan that is familiar to all key personnel. If you would like resources or assistance to update your Emergency Plan, please contact our Culture of Safety team: cultureofsafety@nswact.uca.org.au.
For those wanting to prepare a specific plan for such a situation, the best document is ANZCTC Active Armed Offender Guidelines for Crowded Places (Download here). Appendices B and C of the Guidelines offer helpful practical advice.
For more insights relating to violent attacks on Churches/Congregations, we attach the Churchill Fellowship Report from Rev. Dr. Stephen Robinson - Faith Leaders’ Responses to Violent Attacks on Houses of Worship (Download here).
In the extremely unlikely event of an attack on a Uniting Church site or congregation, please know the Peer Support Team coordinator, Stephen Robinson, and the Disaster Response Chaplaincy Network (DRCN) Team have resources ready to bring immediate support, in conjunction with other agencies. Please contact the Synod, should you wish for more information or assistance.
Local Police have contacted some of our congregations, asking them to help bring people together in peace and unity. If you haven’t already, you may consider making contact with your local police, to offer encouragement and seek ways to bring the love of Christ to your wider community.
We also take this opportunity to remind you that free counselling support is available to employees and their immediate family members through our EAP provider TelusHealth. TelusHealth may be contacted on 1300 360 364.
In the meantime, we remember our calling to be a people defined by love and grace, rather than fear. We cherish all people from all walks of life and we work with God to bring peace to earth.
God bless you all,
Rev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau
Key Contacts
If you require any further information, please contact the NSW Police Force Shield - NSWPFSHIELD.nsw.gov.au