21 August 2025

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

JUSTICE

New resources to take action for peace and justice in Palestine

This week, the Assembly has launched a new set of resources to help Uniting Church communities take real, practical action for peace and justice in Palestine – and to engage with the World Council of Churches statement on Palestine and Israel, now adopted by the Uniting Church Assembly.

You’ll find everything in one place on our brand new central resource hub:

Artwork for your church to print and display banners
Template letters to write to Government
An FAQ answering key questions about the WCC statement
The President’s Liturgy of Lament for Gaza to use in worship
Donate to UnitingWorld's Gaza Crisis Appeal
Take part in this creative action led by the Palestine and Israel Ecumenical Network

Explore the full collection of Uniting Church statements, resolutions and resources concerning Palestine and Israel here.

And this Sunday 24 August, following the powerful March for Humanity in Sydney, people across the country will gather again for a National March for Palestine. Don’t miss the chance to stand in solidarity – check the list of marches and meeting points here.

Head to the hub

PRESIDENT

Conference early bird rego rate ends this Friday

Spaces are filling fast for the President's Conference this November as many take advantage of the early bird discount. If you're planning to attend but haven't yet signed up, be sure to do so by tomorrow Friday 22 August to save on your registration!

ACT2 PROJECT

New Commission holds its inaugural meeting

Marking a key step in the Uniting Church’s renewal journey, the new Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the first time last week, embracing a shared vision to equip communities for courageous discipleship in today’s world.

ANNOUNCEMENT

A statement from the Board of UnitingCare Australia

The Board of UnitingCare Australia has announced the resignation of National Director Claerwen Little, after almost nine years of distinguished service to UnitingCare Australia and the UnitingCare network.

MULTICULTURAL CHURCH

Join the webinar to discuss a proposal for a Uniting Decade of Intercultural Transformation

Following a joyful celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Uniting Church's 'We Are a Multicultural Church' declaration in June this year, you are warmly invited to a consultation to explore a proposal for a Uniting Decade of Intercultural Transformation. Join the Assembly's Being a Multicultural Church Circle and the Assembly Resourcing Unit for a webinar on 7 October at 6:30pm AEDT. Register by 30 September.

JUSTICE

Season of Creation 2025 resources now available

From the start of September, Christians around the world will celebrate the Season of Creation – an annual call to pray, reflect and act in care for the Earth, our common home and God’s beloved creation. The Assembly has curated a variety of resources to support your church’s participation.

OUTBACK MINISTRY

Celebrate Frontier Services Sunday - 31 August

Join us in recognising and supporting the incredible work of Frontier Services Bush Chaplains and Outback Links volunteers across remote Australia. A downloadable video has been prepared to share with your congregation of Bush Chaplain Noel Williams reading the prayers in the 2025 Order of Service. Explore the full resources here.

JUSTICE

Prayer vigil a powerful witness to interfaith unity and collective moral responsibility

Earlier this month, an interfaith prayer vigil for the ongoing crisis in Palestine brought over 180 people together at Sydney’s Pitt Street Uniting Church and online.In her keynote address, President Rev Charissa Suli repeated the Church's call for compassion, justice and peace to prevail across the region.

UnitingWorld and its church partners in the Pacific have launched the Oceania Faith Communities Advancing Safety and Equality project, in an effort to drive gender equality and safety.
Uniting Youth Camp is back these Term 3 holidays! For high schoolers, it’s a fun-filled time to make friends and discover Jesus together.
Please consider supporting UnitingWorld's Gaza Crisis Appeal. Your gift will help ACT Alliance and their local church partners to provide emergency relief and to work to restore basic services for people affected by the crisis.
Renew, organised by the Synod of SA, is on this October. An event to refresh and reimagine church life through worship, workshops and conversation.
ICYMI: The Wesley Centre is hosting a gender justice conference next February. They are currently calling for papers and workshops.

Next edition of National Update

Please note that National Update will revert to a weekly mailing from 4 September. 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...

The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, as it gathers for its Synod meeting this weekend, and for Rev Salesi Faupula as he is installed as the new Moderator.
A breakthrough in possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as the conflict enters its 183rd week.
The nations of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, The Gambia and Guinea as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Jobs: Pastoral Care Worker and Coordinator (Synod of VicTas)
This part-time role provides and oversees pastoral care services to members of Moyne Warrnambool UC as well as those in aged care and hospital across the region.

Jobs: First Third of Life Ministry Leader - Kieraview UC (Synod of NSW/ACT)
A full-time role to support, equip and develop leaders ministering to children, youth, young adults and families in the Illawarra.

Jobs: UAICC Pastor - Wellington UC (Synod of NSW/ACT)
This role offers a meaningful opportunity to serve and walk alongside First Nations communities, supporting both spiritual and holistic wellbeing.

Jobs: AUSLAN trained Educator - Uniting Early Learning (QLD Synod)
Based in Toowong, this role will assist with the communication and wellbeing of students with hearing impairment through use of your Australian Sign Language skills.