|PIC1|For Rex, the first step, research, is critical in laying the foundations of change by providing a greater focus on the factors affecting vulnerable people in our community.
According to Rex, a clear understanding of the factors contributing to unacceptable living conditions such as long-term unemployment and chronic drug addiction is at the
heart of good social justice work. Then it's a matter of developing social policies that will alleviate these conditions, and advocating without fear or favour for society to do
better.
"The final step, advocacy, is about UnitingCare NSW.ACT's commitment to building a more just society and empowering vulnerable people by speaking out publicly against
injustices that prevent people reaching their full potential", said Rex.
A Uniting Church Minister, Rex's work is underpinned by his belief that to be genuine about the expression of Christian faith people need to campaign for long-term
sustainable change to create a better life for all.
"Social justice is one key way the Church expresses God's love for the world, motivated by compassion. We need to work on achieving the maximum good, or in some cases
like the economic recession we are presently experiencing, the least amount of harm in all that we do for others".
"In this role you need to believe you can achieve good, worthwhile outcomes. People can become overwhelmed with the level of pain and suffering they see in the world but
Christ believed in God's goodness at work in the world which he called the Kingdom of God and it includes a vision of goodness and love triumphing over all that would
otherwise defeat us. This conviction gives me hope and enables me to remain optimistic in spite of what can sometimes seem like overwhelming odds", he said.
Rex's commitment to helping others is evident in his past roles which include founding Director of Lifeline MidCoast, based out of Port Macquarie, chaplaincy work for the Australian Defence Force, industrial chaplaincy and, most recently, Manager of Homelessness Services at Wesley Mission.
UnitingCare NSW.ACT is a Board of the NSW and ACT Synod of the Uniting Church and is responsible for the work of community services, chaplaincy and social justice advocacy. All our work is inspired and guided by the principles of justice and compassion.
Services include aged care and disability programs, services for vulnerable families, children and young people and quality preschool education and care. UnitingCare NSW.ACT also manages the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre.