JUSTICE & MISSION
WE BELIEVE...
that the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us not only to personal faith, but also to lives shaped by justice, mercy, and compassion. Throughout the Bible, God shows a deep concern for the vulnerable, the oppressed, and those on the margins. Because of this, our church seeks to participate in God’s work of renewal in the world, both locally and globally, through prayer, partnerships, and practical action.
Supporting our church partners
A key part of our commitment to justice is supporting mission partners who are serving Christ in a wide range of contexts. Some work in local communities across Melbourne and Australia, while others serve internationally. Through financial support, prayer, and ongoing relationships, we seek to stand alongside them as they share the hope of the gospel and work for the well-being of their communities.
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We are grateful to partner with a number of mission organisations, including Tearfund Australia, Anglican Overseas Aid, Church Missionary Society, AFES, and Pioneers. Through these partnerships, we support gospel ministry, relief and development work, university student ministry, and cross-cultural mission around the world.
As a church, we also participate in the work of Prison Fellowship Australia, which supports people in prison, their families, and their reintegration into the community. ​Each year, members of our church take part in the Easter Biscuit Bake, preparing biscuits that are distributed to prisoners across Australia. Through this program, thousands of prisoners receive a simple but meaningful reminder that they have not been forgotten. ​We also participate in Angel Tree, a Christmas program that provides gifts to the children of incarcerated people on behalf of their parent. This ministry helps maintain family connections and reminds children that they are seen, loved, and valued.​
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice
We are committed to walking humbly and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christians and churches. We recognise the deep history of this land, the ongoing impact of colonisation, and the importance of listening carefully to Indigenous Christian leaders.
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Our church’s name, Merri Creek, was partly chosen because of the creek’s deep historical and cultural significance for the Wurundjeri people. For thousands of years, the Merri creek has been an important gathering place, travel route, and site of cultural life for the Wurundjeri and other peoples of the Kulin Nation. Remembering this history shapes the way we think about our place, our community, and our responsibility to pursue justice and reconciliation.
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In our regular gatherings, we include an Acknowledgement of Country, recognising the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet. This practice reminds us that we worship on land with a long and sacred history, and it calls us to humility, gratitude, and justice.
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Each year we also participate in Aboriginal Sunday, joining with Common Grace and hundreds of churches across Australia in prayer, learning, and worship led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian voices. Aboriginal Sunday is an opportunity for churches to honour the faith, leadership, and resilience of Indigenous Christians and to reflect on the gospel's call to justice, reconciliation, and healing in our nation.
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Through practices like these, as well as ongoing learning and relationships, we seek to grow as a church that listens well, walks humbly, and supports the flourishing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministries and churches.
Climate Justice and Care for Creation
Christians believe that the earth is God’s creation, entrusted to humanity’s care. Because of this, we take our responsibility to care for the environment and to consider the justice implications of climate change seriously.
Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities worldwide, particularly those with the fewest resources to respond. As a church, we seek to grow in practices of responsible stewardship, thoughtful consumption, and prayerful engagement with the challenges facing our world today.
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In February, we hosted the launch of Called to Care by Jo Knight, an event that brought together around 170 people from across the community to reflect on Christian responsibility for creation care. The evening was a sign of the growing interest among Christians in how faith can shape thoughtful, hopeful engagement with environmental challenges.