National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

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YOUR CHURCH

Major review into Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice begins

The Uniting Church in Australia has commenced a major review of its Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice – the first significant review since 2009.

This important process aims to ensure the Code remains relevant, responsive and reflective of the evolving needs and expectations of church ministry.

Rev Dr Jenny Byrnes, a seasoned leader within the Uniting Church, has been appointed to lead the review. Her work will be supported by a Reference Group, representing each Synod and the Standards for Ministries Committee, and will entail a survey to all Presbyteries requesting comprehensive feedback.

OUR MULTICULTURAL CHURCH

Uniting Church to host historic service

This Sunday, St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney will be the setting for a unique Choral Service of Thanksgiving to mark 55 years of diplomatic ties between Australia and Tonga and the 50th anniversary of the Tongan Consulate General in Australia. Their Majesties of Tonga, as well as key dignitaries, ecumenical leaders and community members will come together to celebrate faith, culture and enduring bonds between the two nations.

AROUND THE CHURCH

Frontier Services’ Bush Chaplain appointed WA’s next Moderator

Frontier Services congratulates Rev David Jackson on his appointment as Moderator-elect of the Uniting Church WA Synod. Over the last three years, David has served as a dedicated Bush Chaplain in the remote Mid West and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. In this role, he has provided vital support to communities recovering from Cyclone Seroja, built close connections with First Nations people, and helped young people thrive through the Marble Bar youth program.

To mark the UN’s International Day of Peace this Sunday, an Interfaith Prayer Service will be held in Sydney. This event coincides with the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, for which the World Council of Churches has produced a range of helpful resources.
Uniting Vic.Tas have put together a great range of worship resources for Foster Care Week, plus an informative video to share with your church.
The Assembly and Synod of Vic/Tas have welcomed the Victorian Parliament’s introduction of legislation to establish a Treaty between the State and Victoria’s First Peoples.
Rev Dr Tim Costello will be speaking at the next Polkinghorne Oration on 16 October at Adelaide West UC. He’ll be discussing “The Challenge of our Times: Climate Change in the Context of Culture in Crisis”.
Stand with our neighbours in West Papua through UnitingWorld’s Spring Appeal.
The Pacific Conference of Churches has released a statement affirming the WCC’s call to end apartheid, occupation and impunity in Palestine and Israel.
A new team of ecumenical accompaniers has resumed a protective presence in key West Bank areas after a three-month pause.
Are you considering attending the President’s Conference this November? Find out more here.

Have a story to share?

National Update is back as a weekly mailing every Wednesday. 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...

This Sunday’s Choral Service of Thanksgiving at St Stephen's Uniting Sydney, marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Tonga and Australia.
Staff and volunteers of Uniting’s community agencies who support those affected by domestic and family violence, as well as those who educate, advocate and foster hope and safety.
Peace and calm in Nepal following a week of protests which has left more than 70 dead and over 2,100 injured.
Peace across our conflicted and fractured world, as we mark the International Day of Peace this Sunday.
The nations of Nigeria, Argentina and Paraguay as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

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