May 2025 News Update

A New Parliament and a Moment of Opportunity

May was a big month for Australia, and a big month for Common Grace.

It started with a historic election, delivering the Labor Party their largest-ever win in the House of Representatives. Our loyalty doesn’t lie with any political party, but with Jesus—and his vision of a world where all people and all creation flourish as God intends.

Labor’s win means some important policies remain in place. Our refugee intake won’t fall. The transition to renewables continues, and the government’s commitment to Closing the Gap and pursuing reconciliation has been reaffirmed. But decisions like this week's extension of the North West Shelf gas plant - increasing the long-term supply of carbon polluting fossil fuels - demonstrate how big the deficit is in our policies and our politics to deliver the progress we need. While we’re encouraged that we’re not moving backwards on key issues, choices like this remind us that there’s still a long way to go toward the justice and wholeness our faith calls us to.

That’s where the Common Grace movement comes in.

This is a moment of opportunity—a time when we can actively engage this new parliament, build relationships with elected leaders, and speak boldly about the things that matter most. In Australia, we’re fortunate to live in a democracy where our voices are listened to. And when we speak with love, humility, and conviction—when we bring the heart of Christ to our politics—it can be powerful. Our Common Grace team has developed a range of great resources to help support you in welcoming your newly elected representative and continuing to join in calling for a safe, free and flourishing future for all. You can sign up to receive those resources today

This month, we stepped deeper into that mission. Last night, we hosted our first-ever Domestic and Family Violence webinar, equipping Christians to better understand this crisis and to take action for safety and justice. If you missed it, you can sign up here to receive the recording. 

We also marked National Reconciliation Week under the theme “Reconciliation as Responsibility, Come to the Feast”.  We’ve curated beautiful resources, led by Safina Stewart, and featuring the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Leaders from around the country. They’re well worth sharing with your church community. You can find those resources here. 

May we continue to work together for a safe, free and flourishing future for all.

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May 2025 Updates

We're in the heart of Reconciliation Week 2025. This year's theme, ‘Reconciliation as Responsibility – Come to the Feast’, invites you and your community to engage deeply. Use our resources to hear from First Nations Christian leaders, learn from the stories of non-Indigenous allies, and take meaningful steps toward justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Find your resources here.

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Join us for a special Refugee Week Webinar ‘End the Waiting’ on Thursday 19 June, 7:30pm - 9:00pm AEST, as Common Grace’s Justice for People Seeking Asylum Coordinator James Harris and National Director Gershon Nimbalker speak with people directly impacted by Australia’s asylum system, explore how churches are standing together in solidarity and share how your community can join our upcoming #EndTheWaiting campaign. Register for the Webinar here. And head to our website to find more resources to help you engage in Refugee Week 2025. 

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Common Grace is proud to be part of the Renew Australia for All movement, which has launched an open letter to the new federal government, building on the momentum of the $2.3 billion battery announcement. Together, the alliance aims for 10,000 signatories to join the call for expanded access to the benefits of solar, storage, and energy upgrades for all Australian homes. Add your voice to the letter here

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Join Ellaina Welsman, Common Grace's Domestic and Family Violence Justice Coordinator, at the Faith, Hope, & Love Conference in Melbourne to explore a faithful response to domestic and family violence. From 18 - 19 August this conference will equip Christians and churches to respond to DFV in biblically faithful, trauma-informed, and justice-seeking ways. Early Bird tickets are now available until 20 June.

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Thank you for joining us as we walk together pursuing truth, justice and grace. 

With deep gratitude,
Gershon Nimbalker

Common Grace National Director