Synod expands Objects to emphasise care of children and vulnerable
Article 3 (Objects) of the LCA Constitution and Article 4 (Objects) of the Model Constitution for a Congregation have been revised to make special provision for the care of children and the vulnerable.
The expanded clauses spell out in some detail the means by which the Object is to be enacted, including governance and leadership, policies and procedures, and the promotion of a culture of safety and care.
Ms Faye Schmidt presented the proposal on behalf of the General Church Board. She said the level of detail in the Church’s constitutions is necessary in order for the LCA to be compliant with anticipated regulatory oversight of the Federal Government’s body responsible for the Redress Scheme following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The opening clause of the Object reads: ‘maintain and promote a culture of care in all areas of the Church and its activities, so that all people, especially the vulnerable such as children and the aged, are protected against any form of spiritual, emotional, physical and sexual abuse’.
