The Wellspring Community is committed to work for justice and peace. We believe that prayer and politics belong together. As we pray “Your will be done on earth as it is heaven” we are affirming that social justice for all and peace on earth sit at the heart the Gospel of Christ.

We believe that:

The Gospel commands us to seek peace founded on justice;
costly reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel;
work for justice, peace and an equitable society is a matter of extreme urgency;
God has given us partnership as stewards of creation and we have a responsibility to live in a right relationship with the whole of God's creation;
that, handled with integrity, creation can provide for the needs of all, but not for the greed which leads to injustice and inequality, and endangers life on earth;
everyone should have the quality and dignity of a full life requires adequate physical, social and political opportunity, without the oppression of poverty, injustice and fear;
social and political action leading to justice for all people and encouraged by prayer and discussion, is a vital work of the Church at all levels.

We seek to:

engage in forms of political witness and action, prayerfully and thoughtfully, to promote just and peaceful social, political and economic structures;
promote a policy of renunciation of all weapons of mass destruction in all nations of the world;
promote the United Nations Organisation as the principal means of international reconciliation and security, in place of military alliances;
support and promote research and education into non-violent ways of achieving justice, peace and a sustainable global society;
Work for reconciliation within and among nations by international sharing and exchange of experience and people, with particular concern for politically and economically oppressed nations;

(Adapted from the Iona Community statement on justice).

RECENT WELLSPRING ACTIONS

2024

MIGRATION BILL SUBMISSION

The Wellspring Community submission on the Bill: Migration Amendment Bill 2024 (CTH) and Migration Amendment (Bridging Visa Conditions) Regulations 2024 (CTH). Read HERE

WELLSPRING PARLIAMENTARY PETITION REGARDING THE ISRAEL PALESTINE CONFLICT

Petition to parliament taking action to stop the Israel, Palestine conflict. Read HERE

https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN6653

The Ministerial Response from Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, can be read HERE

SUBMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF THE NATIVE FOREST TIMBER INDUSTRY

Submission to the Independent Forestry Panel Consultation on the Future of the Native Forest Timber Industry which will contribute to the Forestry Industry Action Plan of the NSW Government. October 2024. Read HERE.

SUBMISSION TO THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL AND ISLANDER AFFAIRS

On the establishment of a National Truth and Justice Commission through a Parliamentary Bill. 13th October 2024. Read HERE

2023

WELLSPRING COMMUNITY STATEMENTS ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE NOVEMBER 2023

Wellspring Council asked all Wellspring members to consider the issues prayerfully and to take action by contacting their local members, encouraging vigorous action by Australia’s politicians towards a ceasefire and progress towards a just peace.

The first document is a response prepared for Wellspring by member Doug Hewitt, our Interfaith and Ecumenical contact person. The second document is from the World Council of Churches. We invite you to read, reflect, pray and act. You can read it HERE.

FAIR TRADE

As a Fair Trade Faith Group, the Wellspring Community is committed to bringing change to God’s world and the people for whom Jesus lived, died and rose again.

Fair Trade empowers disadvantaged artisans, workers and farmers, especially in developing countries to create their own sustainable livelihoods through employment, regular income, improved working conditions and more direct access to markets.

Fairtrade empower millions of farmers and workers around the world by tackling poverty and poor working conditions, as well as conserving the environment. It’s hope for a better future by making trade fair.

Many of the world’s most serious issues share a single root cause – extreme poverty. The Fairtrade Minimum Price, Premium and Standards are designed to tackle this so that farmers and workers have reliable and sustainable incomes, and the power to make their own choices.

The Wellspring Community demonstrates its commitment to Fair Trade by serving Fairtrade tea and coffee at all functions where people meet. We also encourage our members to seek and use Fair Trade products wherever possible.

We promote Fair trade through our magazine, ‘Pipeline. And through our sponsoring occasional webinars.