STANDING AS ONE
The Australian Creed
for Sexual Integrity
The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity
We invite people of faith in Australia and around the world to make a stand for sexual integrity and sign the creed.
Sign the Creed
Fill in your details to pledge your support for the Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity.
We encourage you to share this page with your family, friends and church.
Your name will automatically be posted to the list of signees below.
Initial Signatories
Archbishop Julian Porteous
Catholic Archbishop of Hobart
Bishop Glenn Davies
Bishop of the Diocese of the Southern Cross
Commissioner James Condon
Commissioner Emeritus, The Salvation Army
Bishop Richard Condie
Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Tasmania
Rt Rev Christopher Edwards
Bishop of North Sydney, Anglican Diocese of Sydney
Michelle Pearse
Managing Director, Australian Christian Lobby
Rev Jodie McNeill
Global Operations Manager, Gafcon
Dr Allan Meyer
Founder, Careforce Lifekeys
Dr Rachel Carling
Former MLC, Victorian Parliament
Fr Andrew Grace
Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Kooringal, NSW
Cindy McGarvie
National Director, Youth for Christ Australia
Dr Patricia Weerakoon
Christian Sexologist and Writer
Fr Dominic O’Hara
Priest, Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, United Kingdom
Ps Peter Walker
Founder, Australian Indigenous Christian Ministries
Archdeacon Susan Willis
Archdeacon, Anglican Church, Diocese of Tasmania
Rev Dr Wesley Redgen
Senior Lecturer, Queensland Theological College
Prof Keith Sewell
Emeritus Professor of History, Dordt University
Thomas Slockee
Aboriginal Elder
Earl Crown III
Ruling Elder Emeritus, Presbyterian Church of America
Archdeacon Clem Watts
Archdeacon Emeritus, Anglican Diocese of Gippsland
Dr Graham McLennan
National Alliance of Christian Leaders
Right Rev Mark Powell
Teaching Elder, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Hobart
Rev David Ould
Senior Associate Minister, St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Parramatta
Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones
CEO, DigiHelp Publishing
Warwick Marsh
CEO, Dads4Kids
Rev David Robertson
Minister, Scots Kirk Presbyterian, Newcastle
Dr Barry Manuel
Pastor, Healinglife Church, Adelaide
Akos Balogh
Christian Commentator
Monica Bennett-Ryan
Christian Author and Speaker
Neil Johnson
Head of News and Current Affairs, Vision Christian Media
Dr Barry Chant
Author and Teacher, Tabor Publications
Dr Paul Bedwell
Youth for Christ Australia
Ben Davis
Founder, Caldron Pool
Rev Dr Kamal Weerakoon
Minister, Presbyterian Church of Australia
Rev Dr Lindsay Cameron
Pastor, Author, Former National Superintendent, Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia
Dr Mark Harwood
Speaker, Scientist and Writer, Creation Ministries International
Rev Matthew Connolly
Vicar, St John the Baptist Anglican Church, Lilydale
Prof Lawrence W. C. Lai
Honorary Professor, University of Hong Kong
Dr David Phillips
Founder, FamilyVoice Australia
Rev Jennifer Hercott
Registrar, Anglican Diocese of Central Queensland
Rev Dr Anne Hibbard
Minister, Diocese of the Southern Cross
Dr Harvey Ward
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr Hilary Moroney
Director and Co-Founder, Canberra House of Prayer for All Nations
Dave Pellowe
Director, Church and State
Rev Simon Mackenzie
Pastor, Lutheran Church of Australia
Suzanne Langberg
Vice President, Women’s Christian Temperance Union
Jodie Pickard
Founding Director, Love Australia
Rev David Shepherd
Senior Pastor, Hills Baptist Church
Charmaine Hickman
National Prayer Coordinator, Australia for Jesus
Dr Mark Durie
Founding Director, Institute for Spiritual Awareness
Rev William Habib Steele
Retired Minister and Missionary, The Christian Reformed Church in North America
David d’Lima
Spokesman, FamilyVoice Australia
Ps Tim Edwards
Australian Christian Indigenous Apostolic Ministry
Rev Daniel Avenell
Minister, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Emerald
Dr Mike Davidson
Chairman, International Foundation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice
Chap Jonathan Stubbs
Chaplain, Woodford Correctional Centre
Jessie Skelly
Australian National Director, Pais
Stuart Millar
Evangelist, Train to Proclaim
Chap David Vine
Sports Chaplain, Sports Chaplaincy Australia
Rev Dr Stuart Bonnington
Minister, Presbyterian Church of Australia
Rev Chris Bowditch
Rector, Lindisfarne Anglican Church
Rev Paul Hobby
Priest, Anglican Parish of Quamby, Diocese of Tasmania
Pat Steele
Director, Hope Movement, Youth for Christ Australia
Ps Phil Steiger
Senior Pastor, Living Hope Church, Colorado Springs
Ross Peeters
Managing Director, Creation Ministries International
Ps Michael Woolley
Pastor, Katoomba Baptist Church
Dr Francine Pirola
Director, Marriage Resource Centre
Rev Martin Duffield
Pastor, St John’s Presbyterian Church, Annerley, Queensland
Ps Paul Craig
Pastor, Sunbury Baptist Church
Dale Du Pont Milliken
Teacher, Fremantle Christian College
Rev Luke Pedersen
Senior Pastor, Brimbank Anglican Church
Shiree Lind
Director, Australian House of Prayer for All Nations
DJ Paine
Radio Show Host and Producer, Vision Christian Media
Rev Heath Easton
Senior Pastor, Drouin Presbyterian Church
Rev Vaughan Smith
Minister, Taree Presbyterian Church
Anthony McLellan
Chairman, The Mclellan Foundation
Rev Steve Mannyx
Minister, Penrith Presbyterian Church
Clinton Montgomery
Advancement Director, Alphacrucis University College
Rev Constantine Michailidis
Pastor, Yeshua Tsidkenu Russian Jewish Congregation
Ps Gordon Dandie
Pastor, Scots Presbyterian Church, Moonbi NSW
Ps Victor Soo
Founder and Pastor, Reach Community Church
Chap Stuart Woods
Chaplain, St Luke’s Liverpool, Anglicare Sydney
Ps Peter Barber
Pastor, Inverell Presbyterian Church
Ps Leigh Dart
Senior Pastor, Wallsend Baptist Church, NSW
Ps Samuel Lindsay
Senior Pastor, Flooding Creek Community Church
Dr Brendan Kirby
Senior Pastor, Hope Church
Dr Barry Hicks
Retired Associate Professor of Surgery, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia
Ps Dennis Acraman
Senior Pastor, Crossroads Church Whitianga, New Zealand
Rev Hilton Jordan
Senior Pastor, RAFT Anglican Church, Rowville
Ps Kathy Apelt
Senior Pastor, Hillview Community Church
Ps David Apelt
Senior Pastor, Hillview Community Church
Brendan Hosking
Deputy Principal, Bundaberg Christian College
Alex Todd
Queensland Campaign Director, Family First Party
Claire Bester
RA Administrator, City to City Australia
Paul Ninnes
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Realtalk
Dr Michael Thompson
Scientist and Writer, Creation Ministries International
Ray Lind
Director, Youth With A Mission South Australia
Juli Sharpe
Executive Officer, Genesis Pregnancy Support
Alison Marsh
Co-Founder, The Canberra Declaration
Ps David Dennis
Lead Pastor, Lifeway CRC Church, Port Macquarie
Bryson Thomas
Director, Emmaus Correspondence School Ministries, Queensland
Nicole van Hout
Teacher, Livingstone Christian College
Ps Maurie O’Connell
Pastor, Peace Christian Church, Rockhampton
Bill Muehlenberg
CultureWatch
Ps Ed Paine
Pastor, Christian New Life Centre, South West Rocks
Chap Lisa Sheridan
Chaplain, Scripture Union
Rodney Ballinger
Board Secretary, Co-Founder, Eva’s Place Pregnancy and Early Parenting Support
Rev Mark Charleston
Rector, Sylvania Anglican Church
Ps Jon Sherrill
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church
Tim Underwood
Teacher, Sunrise Christian School Whyalla
Ps Stephen Tuck
Pastor, Carlton-Kogarah Baptist Church
Ps Matthew Johnson
Pastor, South Sydney Anglican Church
Kurt Mahlburg
Senior Editor, The Daily Declaration
Ali Hoopmann
Teacher and Career Counsellor, Cornerstone College
Ps Daniel Thomas
Pastor, Katoomba Baptist Church
Ps Alex Crossley
Pastor, Southern Life Christian Church
Kym Farnik
Prayer Co-Ordinator, The Canberra Declaration
Ps David Apelt
Senior Pastor, Hillview Community Church
Jerome Appleby
National Policy Officer, FamilyVoice Australia
Leonie Voight
Teacher, Tyndale Christian School
Ps Phil Steiger
Senior Pastor, Living Hope Church
Ps Bernard Hartog
Senior Pastor, Citylight Church
Ps James Dodsworth
Pastor, Gympie Community Church
Ps Robert Miles
Messianic Pastor, Hineh Yeshua Congregation
Graham Ball
Director, Glenhaven Family Care
Jessica Cheng
Teacher, Blakehurst High School
Dr Ian Denness
Skin Cancer Doctor, Innisfail Family Health
Heather Cheesman
Assistant Executive Officer, Genesis Pregnancy Support
James Jeffery
Missionary, OMF
Ps Leanne Scott
Pastor, FountainStone Fellowship
Ps Joshua Coppins
Pastor, Southern Lights Church
Samuel Hartwich
Lead Contributor, The Canberra Declaration
Rev Oli Blythe
Associate Minister, St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Surrey Hills
Monique Omeara
Teacher, Livingstone Christian College
Rev Roger Hibbard
Minister, Diocese of the Southern Cross
Rev Dale Baikie
Chaplain, Anglicare Sydney
Rod Lampard
Writer, Caldron Pool
Rev Steve Jones
Associate Minister, Drouin Presbyterian Church
Christie Quaremba
Founder and Director, Simply Fresh Hope
Rev Bryan Kim
Minister, Macleay Presbyterian Churches
Ps Jeanette Glasgow
Pastor, Guiding Light Fellowship, Ipswich
Ps Abraham Haastrup
Senior Pastor, The Redeemed Christian Church of God
John Martin
Victorian State Coordinator, Young Conservatives for Christ
Ps Leonie Robson
Senior Pastor, Revelation Christian Church
Rev Hugh Prentice
Retired Anglican Minister, St Hilary’s Anglican Church, Kew
Ps Steve Cobanov
Pastor, Zion Christian Ministries
Ps David Maher
Minister, Burwood Presbyterian Church
Ps Robert Crockford
Pastor, Cross Link Christian Network
Jean Seah
Managing Editor, The Daily Declaration
Bob McCoskrie
Founder and CEO, Family First New Zealand
Peter Dunstan
Co-Founder, Breakfree Australia
Chap Hendrik Gort
Chaplain, Manoah Homes
Rev Ray McIlwraith
Retired Minister, Diocese of the Southern Cross
John Lockwood
Founder, Kingdom Builders
Ps Bruce Sharman
Senior Pastor, Diggerland Church
Rev Neil Flower
Retired Presbyter, Anglican Church, Diocese of Sydney
Ps Keith Bates
Pastor, New Life Christian Fellowship
Rev Richard Minol
Retired Anglican Priest
Victor Novitchi
Co-Director, X-Out-Loud
Brian Geytenbeek
Former Wycliffe Bible Translator
Robyn Ferries
Retired Police Officer, Western Australia Police Force
Ps Debbie Cobanov
Pastor, Zion Christian Ministries
Ps Andrea Camac
Assistant Pastor, Lifehouse
Ps Yonna Aaron
Pastor, King Jesus Prayer Movement
Ps Stephen Lewin
Pastor, Barefoot Ministries Australia
Rev Lance Jackson
Retired Presbyterian Minister
Ps Ivan Robson
Assistant Pastor, Revelation Christian Church
John Kadwell
Retired Methodist Missionary
Lesley Kadwell
Retired Methodist Missionary
Ps Graham Lawn
Retired Church of Christ Pastor
Christopher Noone
Servants of Jesus Community, Sydney
Robin Johnson
Co-Founder, Beyond Here International
Janette Johnson
Co-Founder, Beyond Here International
Dr Andy Mullins
Christian Author
Ps Jenny Jack
Pastor, Prayer Room
Ps Thomas Bond
Senior Pastor, New Life Christian Centre
Ps Alexander Valich
Senior Pastor, Glenorie Community Church
Nel Farnik
Founder, Celebrate Israel
Ps Ada Boland
Prophetic Voices of the Land
Ps Elizabeth Lawson
Executive Pastor, Twin Rivers Centre
Paullette Cairns
Director, Rahab Ministries
Ps Tamar Yeomans
Senior Minister, Beit Gan-Eden Messianic Community
Ps Ben Kelada
Pastor, Fresh Start Presbyterian Church Donnybrook
Ps Aschallew Robelie
Pastor, Global Harvest Church
Andrew Lamb
Translations Officer, Creation Ministries International
Ps Jai Wright
Senior Minister, MAKE Church
Ps Rachel Camier
Worship Pastor, The Sanctuary
Rev Ray Szwec
Pastor, Cross Connect Ministries Australia
Ps Jin Kim
Associate Pastor, Glenorie Community Church
Dr Gladwyn Turner
President, Australian and Asian Missions Association
Dr Helen Turner
Vice President, Australian and Asian Missions Association
Chap Howard Savage
High School Chaplain, Scripture Union
Ps David Thompson
Senior Pastor, Watchman Ministries
Ps Raelene Thompson
Senior Pastor, Watchman Ministries
Ps Debbie Gadd
Pastor, Tumbarumba Community Church
Bishop Marty Oas
Bishop, Fishers of Men International Ministries
Ps Robyn Painter
Pastor, Peterborough Community Christian Church
Chap Alyse Anderson
Chaplain, AA Counselling Online
Bernhard Wewege
Senior Leader, Every Nation Ministries
Colleen Wewege
Senior Leader, Every Nation Ministries
Rev Guido Kettniss
Pastor, Gateway Presbyterian Church
Ps Trevor Jones
Youth Pastor, Jericho Road Church
Ps Francis Shanahan
Pastor, Zion Christian Ministries
The Initial Signatories list will continue to populate until the sign-up deadline.
Signatories
Emma West・Australia
Mollie Litherland・Australia
peter vanderzaag・Australia
Kevin Holland・Australia
Philip Arnold Hannaford・Australia
John Vandenberg・Australia
Richard White・Australia
Shelley Davis・Australia
Margaret Nott・Australia
John Wiggins・Australia
Mrs Amanda Bartle・Australia
Margaret Brookes・Australia
Stephen Davidson・Australia
Susani Van Der Linde・Australia
John Emmett・Australia
Karen Pomerenke・Australia
Anne Cutchie・Australia
Trevor Davidson・Australia
Sam Thorn・Australia
Philip Mercer・Australia
Robert Engwicht・Australia
Malcolm Glynn・Australia
Paul Mallison・Australia
Andrew Taggart・Australia
Mike Miles・Australia
David Armstrong・Australia
William Bosker・Australia
Andy Buchan・Australia
Raymond Dart・Australia
Kay Underwood・Australia
Merryl Charleston・Australia
Robyn Campbell・Australia
Greg Allen・Australia
Ian Hartley・Australia
Cathy O'Gorman・Australia
Rev Jodie McNeill・Australia
Sheelagh Cameron・Australia
Ros Phillips・Australia
Lee Saunig・Australia
David Dwyer・Australia
Julia Beck・Australia
Catherine Dwyer・Australia
Giles Ritchie・United Kingdom
Sarah Ritchie・United Kingdom
John Auriemma・Australia
Lynette Roberts・Australia
Robyn Mason・Australia
Roslyn Bearup・Australia
Paul Bearup・Australia
elizabeth Copeman・Australia
Paul Fogarty・Australia
Peter Knoechel・Australia
About
Why Another Creed?
Christian creeds serve as foundational declarations of belief, uniting believers across time and cultures in a shared confession of faith. For instance, the Nicene Creed was composed in AD 325 to counter the heresy of Arianism, which claimed that Jesus Christ was not fully divine. This statement of Christian orthodoxy clarified the church’s teaching on the Trinity, affirming that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are of the same essence, while also addressing several other heresies. The result was a clear and authoritative creed that has preserved sound doctrine and affirmed the true unity of the church throughout the ages.
Every era has its particular heresies. In the 21st century, heresies abound in the area of human sexuality. The church has not been immune to these errors. We believe the time has come for a new creed that affirms the timeless teachings of the church regarding sexual integrity, and that articulates God’s glorious design for sex and marriage as revealed in Holy Scripture.
Our hope and prayer is that the Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity will gain global approval from biblically orthodox leaders in the Catholic Church, the Anglican/Episcopalian Church, the Lutheran Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Orthodox Church, Evangelical and Pentecostal churches, and many more besides. We also welcome the support of Christian schools, charities, para-church ministries and missionary organisations.
Who Wrote the Creed?
Christians from all the denominations and groups listed above were active in the drafting process or were invited to contribute. The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity is the result of much prayer and consultation from archbishops, bishops, ministers, priests, pastors, theologians, academics and denominational heads, along with the leaders of Christian schools, non-profits and other organisations. Among them are people who have been married for decades and those who are single; doctors of theology and recovered drug and pornography addicts; successful entrepreneurs and working mums and dads.
What began as a small online prayer meeting in early September 2024 soon grew into a collaborative team of over 100 drafters passionate to convey the Bible’s message about sexual integrity for a new era. Some drafters attended every meeting, others joined just occasionally, and still others provided written feedback. The prize of brevity meant many great ideas were ultimately omitted, and the creed itself was rewritten from start to finish on more than one occasion. Completing the creed was an effort that spanned almost two months, which is approximately the same length of time taken by the drafters of the Nicene Creed. With such a rich tapestry of Christian traditions and ministries represented, the end result is a timeless and timely text of remarkable depth, breadth and richness.
The unity and humility displayed by the drafters throughout the process can only be described as an act of God’s grace. We credit this to the behind-the-scenes efforts of thousands of people who were praying and fasting for a global revival of sexual integrity and for God to guide the drafting process. Many drafters expressed awe at the rapid progress that was made and the sense of divine help that accompanied our efforts. We believe the Lord heard our many prayers for this creed, and we give Him all the glory.
The creed was publicly released on the 31st of October 2024 to coincide with Reformation Day in the Protestant tradition and the eve of All Saints’ Day in the Catholic tradition, which is a Catholic holiday in some countries. This date has added significance for Australians, being the anniversary of the charge of the Australian Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba in 1917, which endures as a national symbol of faith, courage and divine providence.
How Will the Creed Be Used?
We envisage the Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity having a wide variety of applications, including as:
- a doctrinal affirmation for use in worship services, masses, Christian prayer and Bible study groups, weddings, and private devotions
- an educational tool to help Christians understand the Bible’s teaching on sexual integrity
- a theological defence against heresy and compromise
- a clear means for churches, Christian educational institutions, ministries and mission organisations to publicly signal their orthodoxy, in particular by posting the creed’s logo on their website
- a legal bulwark to protect churches, Christian educational institutions, ministries, mission organisations and individuals from oppressive legislation and vexatious litigation
- a values statement to unify the governing bodies of churches, Christian schools, Bible colleges and ministry boards
- a proclamation to inspire the global church and foster Christian unity across cultures and generations
To help facilitate these goals, an Explanatory Guide with supporting Scriptures has been made available, along with a Bible study.
What Does the Logo Mean?
The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity has an accompanying logo to aid with digital communication and to help promote the creed to a wide global audience. Flags are powerful symbols of unity, visibility and common conviction. The cross of Christ, being the most recognisable Christian symbol on the planet, serves in this logo both to clearly differentiate male and female, and to unite them. It is from His cross that Christ reaches out in love to a diverse world in need of redemption. The blue and red closest to the cross follow the colours of the Australian national flag.
We encourage churches, Christian schools, Bible colleges, ministries, mission organisations and other Christian groups who affirm the creed to display its logo on their websites as a clear statement of their fidelity to biblical truth.
Can I Publish the Creed and Logo?
Yes. The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity and its logo have been created for free use by Christians from every nation. Both the creed and the logo are open-source assets governed by a Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), making them free to share, copy and redistribute internationally without alteration for non-commercial purposes. When you do, be sure to give proper attribution and include a URL backlink so that people can see and access the original source. If you publish them in a commercial capacity, we simply ask that you donate to a charity of your choice protecting women and children from sex trafficking.
