Terms of Reference

The Constitution of the NSW Ecumenical Council states at 2 (e):

“The Council exists to resource and support churches in that mission, so that, by joint study, consultation, reflection and action,

• they may confront all people more authentically with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and
• they may respond more effectively to human need and to the scriptural imperative to seek justice for people everywhere”

Purpose of the Commission

The Peace and Justice Commission brings together representatives from the member churches so that they may respond more effectively to human need and to the scriptural imperative to seek justice for people everywhere.

Objectives

The Commission fulfils its purpose by:

• the exchange of information and resourcing between the representatives from the member churches concerning peace and justice work
• focussing primarily on concerns relevant to the churches or to members of the Commission and encourage churches to be active in issues of social justice
• covering the many peace and justice concerns of the churches such as refugees, peace-making, caring for creation, justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, prison reform, housing and homelessness, community harmony, and at other times focussing more in-depth on specific concerns
• drafting letters, submissions or pledges of support for sign-off by the General Secretary and/ or the Executive of the Council
• proposing representation in person by the Commission and/ or the Council on matters relating to the work of the Commission
• organising a public forum every three years to bring together people with an interest in peace and justice work, especially school students, and give prominence to the voice of the Christian Churches. Such a forum can be organised in partnership with like-minded organisations.
• reporting the work of the Commission to the Executive and to the AGM

Membership

The Commission members are drawn from the member churches of the Council. Other members can be invited who can add specific experience to the Commission. Its membership is approved by the AGM of the Council. The Convener is appointed by the Council from among its members

The General Secretary of the Council is an ex-officio member of the Commission.

Meetings

The Commission normally meets four times a year in February, May, August and November

Accepted August 2015