UnitingCare Australia has questioned the findings of the recently published report of the Centre for Independent Studies, Churches, welfare services and government contracts. "The report is very narrow, focusing particularly on the US experience," said Ms Libby Davies, national director of UnitingCare Australia. "The research appears flawed as it has not looked at the specific way the churches in Australia are responding to the reform environment. The relationship between church and state, the subject of the report, is not something new here in Australia. The report overlooks the 200 year history of the churches in Australia in a range of welfare activities. "We do what we do because of our faith and not in response to the Government’s agenda." UnitingCare is the community services arm of the Uniting Church in Australia. Libby said it takes very seriously its theological position. "Being involved in the current climate of reform does not alter our mission," she said. "The church’s mission is to provide care and support to those most in need, speak out against injustice, and improve the very structures of society which marginalise many Australians. "This role means it is critical the churches do not compromise themselves by merely becoming 'a handmaiden to government'. We have worked hard not to compromise our deep commitment to our faith and to the way we express that faith in our caring work. To suggest otherwise is to devalue our hard work. We bring together our knowledge of need with our ethical practice. To date, our success in providing effective services stands beside our long standing commitment and success in speaking out against injustice."

Rev John Pettman, chair of UnitingCare Australia, said: "We have always met reality with practical solutions. Now more than ever those solutions must be open and transparent alongside our motives. At the core of our service delivery and advocacy is our faith, which enables us to act with responsibility and a true sense of social justice. This report does little to identify that it is because of our mission that we are compelled to be in the market place amidst economic forces and politics. Being committed to this level of involvement is exactly what is needed to stand beside and with those who are powerless."