AJC annual report 2015

AN IDEA BECOMES REALITY

A Just Cause came into being in April 2014 as a We identified the priorities for our campaigning
ministry arm of Australian Baptist Ministries. Its aim and the processes for determining future priorities.
was to equip Baptist and other churches in
Australia to think through and advocate on justice We developed a strategic approach to our work
issues impacting on our nation. and began to implement it.

A significant portion of our first year was spent We put together a taskforce comprised of
laying the foundations for our activities. representatives from the Baptist movement in each
state who share a passion for justice.
We developed our website, making it a place
people could find information and download We engaged in dialogue with Baptist world aid
resources, offered people the opportunity to sign Australia and Baptistcare to ensure our work in
up to our newsletter, and gave the site e-commerce advocacy was complementary.
capability.

REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS

A Touareg girl from the north of Mali in Our major focus in 2015 was refugees and This is a key part of helping create a space
Sag-Nionogo camp, Burkina Faso. She is asylum seekers. where there is popular demand for an
one of 2,800 people in the camp displaced We equipped churches to combat the alternative approach.
by violence perpetrated against their myths told by the shock jocks, popular With a news story in their hearts and minds
family and friends.
media, and politicians, and to tell a different within provided opportunities for churches
story driven by truth, compassion, and a to share their concerns with government,
Photograph courtesy of UNHCR concern for justice. calling on the government to release
children from detention and find a better
way forward.

During 2014/15 at least 150 churches used our
resources to learn about and act on refugee
and asylum seeker issues.

We gave presentations in 13 churches in Victoria, New
South Wales, and Western Australia; to pastor groups in
Victoria and Western Australia; and in theological colleges
in New South Wales.

We produced a book and Bible study resource called
Boundless Plains To Share? Australia, Jesus And Refugees
and sold 760 copies.

We produced an advocacy postcard calling for an increase
in the humanitarian intake. Some hundreds were
distributed;

We produced a refugee week worship kit that included a
video clip, prayer, and policy summary sheet. This was
downloaded by over 120 churches;

We produced an end child detention action kit that
included a video clip, fact sheet, prayer, and advocacy
postcard. Approximately 3500 postcards were distributed;

We researched and produced a policy paper, Bordered by
Love. A Way Forward for Australia on Refugees and Asylum
Seekers. This was endorsed by the National Council of
Australian Baptist Ministries and made available to
churches;

A number of Baptist World Aid Catalyst groups reported
using our resources;

CLIMATE CHANGE

At the start of 2015 we launched a campaign inviting church
leaders to speak out on climate change. This campaign did not
gain the traction we had hoped and drove home the need for
more education for our churches. We are currently working on a
revised plan and set of resources.

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

2015/16 and 2016/17 will see us build upon the start we have
made and the introduction of some exciting new initiatives.

REFUGEE CAMPAIGN
2015/16 will see the development of resources and training to help churches take a delegation to
speak with their Federal MP; a Christmas campaign around the theme “Jesus was a refugee”; and
a partnership with International Teams who will specialise in helping churches develop a ministry
to refugees at the same time that A Just Cause focuses on advocacy.
CLIMATE CAMPAIGN
On December 5 churches will be invited to pray for the Paris Climate Conference. In the new year
we are working towards an initiative that allows churches to put solar panels on their roof as an act
of financial and ecological stewardship. This will be accompanied by a preaching, prayer and
small group resource kit and followed up with advocacy opportunities.
POKIE REFORM CAMPAIGN
In the second half of 2015 we will be joining with a campaign calling clubs to minimise the risk of
poker machines to problem gamblers.
RECOGNISE CAMPAIGN

In the next two years a referendum will be held to recognise indigenous peoples in the
constitution. We will help churches think through and contribute positively to this, beginning with
a kit by the end of 2015 that walks churches through an annual recognition of country ceremony.

In 2016 A Just Cause and Baptist World Aid will facilitate a
gathering of Baptist denominational and church leaders in
Canberra. Leaders will be briefed on our campaigns and visit
politicians to speak to them about these issues.
This will be an annual event that will build our effectiveness in
advocacy, create networks of leaders committed to advocacy
for justice, and create greater momentum for advocacy by
local churches.

CONVERGE