National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

AN EPIC JOURNEY TO OODNADATTA

Planting hope: vision, volunteers and a community revitalised

In remote outback South Australia, a decades-long dream was recently fulfilled. Under the visionary leadership of Frontier Services Bush Chaplain Pastor Julia Lennon, the tiny community of Oodnadatta celebrated the opening of a new church and garden – symbols of hope, faith and unity – brought to fruition through faith, dedication and the joyful collaboration of many hands and hearts.

Two weeks ago, people from across the Assembly, Synod of South Australia, Frontier Services and the wider Uniting Church made the epic journey to the heart of the continent, ready to get their hands dirty preparing the site for the opening, and to celebrate this incredible achievement.

Frontier Services’ National Director Rob Floyd writes about his experience of the week leading up to the church’s doors opening to the local community for the first time.

Read the story

MULTICULTURAL CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

Marking 40 years of our multicultural Church: Worship resource now available

40 years ago, in 1985, the Uniting Church proudly declared: 'The Uniting Church is a Multicultural Church'. A worship resource is now available to help Uniting Church communities mark this significant milestone on 15 June 2025. In honour of the anniversary, a three-day National Theological Consultation will be held from 10–12 June, co-hosted by the Assembly and United Theological College, with local hubs streaming in from around the country.

ACT2 PROJECT

Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions

The Uniting Church Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs to lead two new Uniting Church National Commissions, established by the 17th Assembly. Rev David Fotheringham has been appointed Chair of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration, while Rev Dr Cathie Lambert has been appointed Chair of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership.

AROUND THE UNITING CHURCH

Yarta Wandatha: the land is speaking, the people are speaking

Earlier this year, Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in Adelaide launched its first Indigenous Studies unit, led by Adnyamathanha Elder Rev Dr Aunty Denise Champion and Dr Rosemary Dewerse. Called ‘Yarta Wandatha’, this immersive learning experience invited students to journey through the Ikara Flinders Ranges, discerning Arrawatanha-God’s presence in ancient story and fostering spiritual reflection.

NATIONAL CONFERENCES

Indonesian National Conference joyfully gathers in Sydney

The 2025 Indonesian National Conference was recently held in Sydney, gathering leaders to share insights on the Assembly’s work and conversation on the challenges and joys of ministry. Held over three days, it celebrated unity in diversity with congregations sharing stories of faith. The Assembly affirms its commitment to journey with Indonesian communities, embracing their leadership in Christ’s mission across the Uniting Church and wider Australian community.

UNITING ABORIGINAL AND ISLANDER CHRISTIAN CONGRESS

A pastoral note – Cassius Turvey

First Nations peoples should be aware this article invokes the name and uses the image of someone who has died.

Rev Mark Kickett, from the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, has written a pastoral note of thanks to the Uniting Church following the completion of the criminal trial relating to his nephew, 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy Cassius Turvey. Cassius was brutally attacked in October 2022 and died of his injuries 10 days later, sparking grief and outrage across the nation. Two men have been convicted of his murder.

UNITINGWORLD EOFY APPEAL

The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe needs your help

Across rural Zimbabwe, hunger and water scarcity are forcing children out of school, and families into poverty. Our partner, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, is leading bold and practical solutions, providing clean water and building food security. But they can’t do it alone. UnitingWorld has launched their End of Financial Year Appeal to help grow this work to impact thousands of children and families in Zimbabwe and beyond.

President's Conference 2025 Experience a God-inspired four-day event with Rev Charissa Suli in Tonga this November. Sign up for more information.
NCCA statement on humanitarian aid in Gaza welcoming the consensus of international leaders calling for Israel to allow passage of aid into Gaza.
ICYMI: Read our President's statement affirming the solidarity of the Uniting Church with suffering Palestine.
ICYMI: Assembly Pride Circle Expressions of Interest are now invited for Advocate and Members of the Panel for the new Assembly Circle for LGBTIQA+ members and allies.
ICYMI: Catch the engaging new video series Aboriginal Spirituality & Culture featuring theologian Rev Dr Garry Worete Deverell.

Next edition of National Update

Please note that National Update is now sent fortnightly on a Thursday. Our next regular edition will be on 12 June. Shorter editions are often sent in between. We gladly welcome contributions of stories, news and events from across the Uniting Church. Email comms@nat.uca.org.au

Join us in prayer for...

Shelter, support and comfort for residents of northern NSW who are dealing with the aftermath of recent heavy rain and major flooding.
Christian converts in Kyrgyzstan who face violence, family rejection and government restrictions, as evangelism provokes backlash and rising persecution drives tighter control over religious expression.
The mission and ministry of the Indonesian National Conference and the Indonesian community within the Uniting Church.
Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.