Departments

The NCCA works through a number of Commissions, Networks, and Programmes. These constitute the 'departments' of the NCCA and order its workplan.

Faith and Unity

The NCCA's Faith and Unity Commission is based in Melbourne, and operates on a small budget with a small allocation of paid staff time. Much of the work is done by theologians from the churches who act in a voluntary capacity.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission works ecumenically among Australian churches and wider society to advance indigenous rights and help the churches understand the implications of their history and their current policies and actions. It has a full time staff of three, headed by the Executive Secretary.

Christian World Service

The largest Commission of the NCCA is Christian World Service, headed by the Director. Christian World Service operates as an NGO in the overseas aid sector on behalf of member churches. Units within CWS are International Programmes, Refugees and Displaced People. Education & Communication, and Strathfield Home. Through forceten CWS co-operates with the Catholic Aid agency Caritas Australia, and hosts additional the justice work of Jubilee Australia and the Water Matters campaign. The main source of funds for the work of CWS is the Christmas Bowl, which has been operating in Australia since 1948. It began in Victoria, and CWS still maintains an office in that state. In other states CWS works through partnership agreements with state ecumenical councils.

Gender Commission

The Gender Commission was formed in 2002 out of the former network on women's issues. The Commission operates on an entirely voluntary basis.

Social Justice Network

As a network, the SJN operates to bring churches together on common social justice issues, and draft material for the Council as a whole. The Network operates on an entirely voluntary basis.

Youth Network

The Youth network exists to bring youth together ecumenically, and also to inform the work of the whole Council to make it a 'youth friendly' organisation. The Network has a Secretary who is employed for two days a week.

Churches' Tax Group

This group became a network of the NCCA in November 2003. For further information on the Churches' Tax Group, contact the Financial Controller.