| | Sixteen members of the Uniting Church have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, joining 949 Australians acknowledged for their outstanding service to the community, professions and the nation. The honours, announced on Monday, celebrate people whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting difference in the lives of others. The Uniting Church recipients represent a diverse range of ministries, professions and community contributions across Australia. Their recognition reflects the Church’s longstanding commitment to worship, service, justice and compassionate care, as well as the many ways members live out their faith in everyday life. The Assembly congratulates all 16 recipients and gives thanks for their faithful witness, leadership and service. Their achievements are a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have in building stronger, more inclusive and compassionate communities throughout Australia. |
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| | | | | National Conference members gathered in Sydney on Tuesday to reflect on the future directions of the Church’s multicultural life. Throughout the day, participants including the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, National Conference Chairs, and members of the Assembly’s Being a Multicultural Church Circle shared insights and explored opportunities for strengthening cross cultural connections across the Church. Rev Suli started the day's proceedings with prayers followed by recognising the re-establishment of the Middle East National Conference, with Krikor Youmshajekian acknowledged as its Chair. Discussions during the day focused on relationships with partner churches, ecumenical engagement, and creating more opportunities for people from shared cultural backgrounds to gather for worship, fellowship, leadership development, and mutual support. The group also received briefings on Act2 initiatives and the Liturgy Renewal Project, along with updates the activities of Uniting World and Frontier Services. Our National Conferences play an important role in ensuring the voices, gifts and experiences of the Church’s diverse cultural communities are heard, valued and woven into the life and mission of the Uniting Church. Through their leadership and participation, they contribute to the Church’s witness as a multicultural and intercultural community of faith. Learn more about the Uniting Church’s National Conferences here. |
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| | | | From 14–20 June, churches, community groups and organisations across Australia will mark Refugee Week, an opportunity to celebrate the courage, resilience and contributions of people who have sought safety and a new beginning in this country. This year’s theme, ‘A Million Stories’, marks a significant milestone: since 1947, Australia has issued one million permanent humanitarian visas to people fleeing war, persecution and violence. For the Uniting Church, Refugee Week is more than a celebration; it is a call to discipleship. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded to welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every person. These values continue to underpin the Church’s advocacy for refugees and people seeking asylum. |
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| | | | As communities across Australia navigate the transition to cleaner energy, ensuring no one is left behind is a growing challenge. In the NSW country town of Armidale, an initiative driven by the local Uniting Church and Electrify Armidale in partnership with other community groups is helping vulnerable households access practical support, reduce energy stress and improve home comfort. Grounded in faith, justice and care for creation, the project demonstrates how climate action can strengthen community wellbeing and dignity. |
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| | | | Across the Pacific, Asia and Africa, the Uniting Church walks alongside partner churches sharing the love of Jesus in tangible ways: lifting families out of poverty, helping communities adapt to climate change, removing the barriers to education for children and standing up for justice. UnitingWorld is the agency that holds these partnerships on behalf of the wider Uniting Church. Hosting a UnitingWorld Sunday service on 28 June (or any time that suits your church calendar) is a chance to celebrate our global neighbours, learn more about our work together, and discover how we can all make a difference. Find out more and sign up here. |
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| | | | From next week, National Update will arrive in your inbox on a Tuesday morning. You’ll still receive the same great stories, resources and news from across the Uniting Church in Australia – just a little earlier in the week. This change will also help congregations share timely news and updates through their Sunday bulletins and communications. And remember, National Update is your enewsletter. If you have a story, event or initiative to share with the wider Church, we’d love to hear from you! |
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| | | Join the Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine this Thursday evening (11 June), hosted by the World Council of Churches. As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible, deepfakes are emerging as a growing threat to trust, privacy and personal safety. Dr Mark Zirnsak explores the real-world harms deepfakes can cause and why greater awareness, responsibility and safeguards are urgently needed. Amnesty Australia and Nightcliff Uniting are hosting letter-writing workshop, inviting people to advocate for raising the age of criminal responsibility and ending the overrepresentation of First Peoples children in detention. The World Council of Churches, Caritas Internationalis and World Vision International have cosigned a joint open letter calling on governments, multilateral institutions, and faith communities to act urgently on global hunger and malnutrition. As digital fatigue grows, many people are rethinking their relationship with screens and social media. Adrian Drayton looks at the emerging desire for authenticity, meaningful connection and offline experiences, and considers what these cultural shifts might reveal about our deeper human and spiritual needs. You’re invited to ONE – a cross-cultural, intergenerational gathering celebrating our unity in Christ. Through worship, storytelling, conversation and reflection, explore what it means to live as ONE body, shaped by justice, compassion and reconciliation. Register today!
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| | | June
14-20 Refugee Week
16 Net Zero Roundtable #2
22 49th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia
28 UnitingWorld Sunday
July
5-12 NAIDOC Week
10 Anniversary of the UCA-UAICC Covenant
19 Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday
August 4 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
30 Frontier Services Sunday
Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar. |
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| | | Join us in prayer for... the Uniting Church members recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, and pray that their faithful service continues to inspire compassion, justice and community leadership. our National Conferences to be places that nurture unity in diversity, deepen intercultural relationships, and faithfully reflect God’s inclusive kingdom. God to deepen our commitment to welcome the stranger, uphold the dignity of refugees, and support people seeking asylum. Namibia, South Africa and Eswatini as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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