Statement from the Reforming Session of Elders concerning Wycliffe Australia
Public Statement from the Session of Elders of Reforming Presbyterian Church Bendigo:
Disengagement from Wycliffe Australia Ministries
First published: 9th September 2026
Updated: 12th October 2026
The Session of Reforming Presbyterian Church (East Bendigo) has a primary, non-negotiable biblical and legal duty of care to protect the safety, spiritual well-being, and physical vulnerability of every person within our flock, particularly women, youth, and children.
After prayerful consideration, Session has resolved to disengage from all ministries, programs, and partnerships associated with Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia (WBTA).
Session has raised serious safety and safeguarding concerns with WBTA and has engaged with them over several months. Session continues to hold safeguarding concerns that have not been addressed to its satisfaction and for this reason, Session is not able to endorse engagement with Wycliffe Australia, for the good of those under its care.
We believe parachurch organisations serve alongside the church and should be accountable to it. Session’s decision reflects its responsibility to those under its pastoral care, and we make it with a desire for the good of the wider church.
If you have any pastoral questions or personal concerns regarding this statement, please reach out directly to the Session of Elders at Reforming: elders@reformingchurch.org
On behalf of Reforming Session,
Rory Weightman
(Session Clerk)
