A high court challenge threatens chaplaincy

A Toowoomba man – backed by the Australian Secular Lobby – has served a writ in the High Court of Australia opposing the Commonwealth funding of chaplains in state schools. The defendants in this case are the Commonwealth and SU QLD (Scripture Union Queensland) – the accredited employing authority for school chaplains in Queensland.

This High Court challenge threatens the future of more than 2500 school chaplains across Australia.

And it will have a direct impact on the care of kids in schools!

[find out more] | [+ sign the statement]

OUR CHAPLAINS CONNECT STUDENTS

Chaplains are an integral part of school support networks and reference groups. They work with student support teams and school principals to connect students and their families to community organisations and other essential service providers - such as counsellors, medical/health practitioners, welfare agencies and local churches.

School chaplains offer a listening ear and non-judgemental guidance, bringing hope to today's children and youth. They provide spiritual, religious, ethical and emotional support for students.

[+ sign the statement]

OUR CHAPLAINS ARE ACCESSIBLE

Chaplains are a key point of contact for students dealing with the issues of life. Students in need of help are very comfortable approaching their school chaplain, largely because they are recognised as a non-authority figure in the school.

A school chaplain is a safe person for students to connect with at school, providing a listening ear, caring presence, and message of hope. They care for students struggling with a wide range of issues, including family problems, confusing relationships, friendship issues, peer pressure, self-esteem issues, bullying and depression.

[+ sign the statement]

OUR CHAPLAINS ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR KIDS

School chaplains are positive role models for students. Parents want to make sure their children have the right people around them - supporting them and helping them make good decisions. Even when kids make bad decisions, chaplains are there to help them work through negative situations in positive, constructive ways.

Negotiating life's twists and turns can have a direct impact on students' education and experience of school. In a world where young people are constantly bombarded by negativity and pressure, chaplains are a dependable, safe harbour of support.

[+ sign the statement]

  • Deryck

    TOOWOOMBA

  • Jess

    QLD

  • Eunice Ann

    Charters Towers

  • Brianna

    Deception Bay

  • Tim

    Sandy Creek Qld

  • Mark

    Brisbane

  • R

    Toowoomba

  • Deborah

    Gold Coast

  • Linda

    Sydney

  • Devanai

    Brisbane

  • Rachel

    Brisbane

  • Taryn

    Maffra

  • lachy

    toowoomba

  • Jessica

    Ipswich

  • Jennifer

    Brisbane

  • Melissa

    Brisbane

  • Alexia

    Qld

  • carol

    park ridge

  • John

    Oberon

  • Karen

    Chinchilla

  • Stephen

    Maryborough

  • Andrew

    Brisbane

  • Katelyn

    Bundaberg

  • Ken

    Ngunnawal

  • Charlotte

    Moura

  • Naomi

    toowoomba

  • Suzanne

    Mapleton

  • Angela

    Brisbane

  • Lynn

    Brisbane

  • Dierdre

    Logan

  • Wanetta

    Townsville

  • Dianne

    Puckapunyal

  • Dave

    Carins

  • jenelle

    brisbane

  • Karen

    Gladstone

  • Joellen

    Toowong

  • Inge

    Gympie

  • Jennifer

    Jamboree Hts

  • Nathan

    Perth

  • Danielle

    Sydney

  • nicole

    balcolyn nsw

  • James

    Bundaberg

  • Christine

    Townsville

  • Chris

    alice springs

  • Glenyss

    Worongary

  • Russell

    sydney

  • Linda

    Palmview

  • Courtney

    Brisbane

  • Belinda

    Ipswich

  • Jo-Anne

    Ipswich

  • PHILIP

    JIMBOOMBA

  • Meredith

    Sarina

  • Merlyn

    Bowen

  • Sue

    Ipswich

  • Ruth

    Kingaroy

  • Adriana

    Toowoomba

  • Sam

    Palm Beach

  • Patricia

    Toowoomba

  • Louise

    Brisbane

  • Lashay

    Townsville

  • SCOTT

    ROCKHAMPTON

  • Murray

    Daisy Hill

  • Linda

    Emerald

  • Amy

    Brisbane

  • don

    Scarborough

  • Sue

    Paynesville

  • Lenka

    Dawesville

  • James

    Logan

  • Karen

    Cooloola Cove

  • Miranda

    Brisbane

  • Brad

    Padstow

  • Peter

    Brisbane

  • Jane

    Brisbane

  • Marlene

    Collie

  • Katie

    Brisbane

  • Michael

    Canberra

  • Jason

    Brisbane

  • Tammy

    Buderim

  • Elyse

    Lismore

  • hilina

    Lismore

  • Terry

    Brisbane

  • Phil

    Airlie Beach

  • Bethany

    Newtown

  • Heather

    Gladstone

  • Deborah

    Alexandra Hills

  • Kathryn

    Murrumba Downs

  • Rebecca

    Townsville

  • Quinn

    Brisbane

  • Angela

    Brisbane

  • Anthony

    Mt Warren Park

  • Judith

    Winmalee

  • Michelle

    Morayfield

  • Kerryn

    Brisbane

  • Loren

    Brisbane

  • karyn

    landsborough

  • Leanne

    Rockhampton

  • Bronwyn

    Brisbane

  • Rob

    Bendigo, Vic

  • Nicole

    Dunwich

  • Samuel

    Gold Coast

  • Findlay

    Kingston

  • Heather

    Ipswich

  • Matthew

    Chermside West

  • Amy

    Townsville

  • Hannah

    Brisbane

  • Wendy

    Gosford

  • Tina

    Maryborough

  • Julie

    Horsham

  • darren

    townsville

  • Joni

    Ipswich

  • Glenda

    Mosman

  • cain

    bundaberg

  • Craig

    Ballarat

  • Daphne

    Gold CoasT

  • John

    Gold Coast

  • Danielle

    Perth

  • Alison

    Gold Coast

  • Michelle

    Townsville

  • Sara

    Perth

  • Emily

    Gunnedah

  • Angela

    Emerald