Finally, more than 10 months of hard work has culminated in our High Court hearing from the 6th-8th May.
Not only has the court has heard Mr Williams’ opposing views, but they have heard the government’s views about how school chaplaincy helps achieve National Education Goals by developing students in social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, as well as intellectually.
Our lawyers explained to the court about how school chaplains not only provide pastoral care and support, but also deliver vital programs to support children in their education – things like breakfast clubs, grief and loss programs, self esteem programs, and activities to help children cope with family breakdown and stress.
Throughout the High Court case, I have had a sense of profound gratitude that I can work in an organisation like Scripture Union Queensland, where we journey with kids on our camping and at-risk programs as well as in schools through our chaplains.
This month, Chaplaincy Matters is profiling one area of the SU QLD chaplaincy model of care, and Steve’s article on positive spirituality highlights the unique contribution school chaplains make to the wellbeing outcomes in schools through their spiritual support role. Positive spirituality in the lives of children and young people has been shown to contribute to good health, mental health and development, as well as a range of other positive life outcomes. When school chaplains help people to explore meaning, purpose and connections in their lives and respond to their spiritual, religious and ethical questions, they make an important contribution not easily replicated by other services in schools.
And just last week we heard that the Federal Government has renewed federal seed funding for chaplaincy for another four years, at $20,000 per school per annum. The federal grant is a great start for chaplains, and, along with the generous gifts and support of friends like you, means more children will continue to have access to a caring, compassionate chaplain. In the midst of a very tight budget, I’m encouraged and very gratified to see this fantastic program will continue at full strength.
Thank you for journeying through the High Court hearing and Federal budget with us: for signing the statements of support; for joining us on the bus tour; for your special gifts to SU QLD to ensure chaplaincy continues long into the future despite the High Court Challenge; and for supporting our chaplains.
And as always, thank you for the great work you do for our children and young people. You are truly a blessing!
God bless you,
Peter James
CEO, SU QLD