Our Featured StoryTHE GLOBAL CHURCH |
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| Leaders and delegates from Reformed churches around the world are currently convening in Thailand for the seven-yearly General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Under the theme “Persevere in Your Witness”, drawn from Hebrews 12:1, this gathering invites the global Reformed family into shared discernment around faith, justice, reconciliation and communal witness. Six representatives from the Uniting Church in Australia, including President Rev Charissa Suli and General Secretary Andrew Johnson, are in attendance. All UCA delegates have the right to speak and be part of decision-making. Before flying out, we asked four of them about their hopes for the gathering and to what they are most looking forward. |
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Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, has released a statement expressing deep relief and cautious hope following the reaching of a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas last week, and the commencement of hostage release on Monday. |
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The fifth biennial conference of the Uniting Church National History Society offered more than a reflection on the Church’s past achievements and challenges, it was also a forum for engaging with pressing issues of the present. Centred on the theme “The Church as a Prophetic Voice in Australian Society: Past, Present and Future,” the conference brought together speakers who explored how the Church’s historical witness continues to shape, and be shaped by, contemporary Australian life. |
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Last week, over 40 participants from across the Uniting Church gathered online for a national consultation exploring a bold new vision: a proposed Uniting Decade of Intercultural Transformation. Building on 40 years as a Multicultural Church, the webinar invited reflection, prayer and dialogue toward a Spirit-led renewal of identity, unity and shared intercultural life. Rev Dr Paul Goh reports back from the gathering. |
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The UCA Assembly Standing Committee is conducting a Review of the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice and its effectiveness across the Uniting Church in guiding ministry agents in ministry. As part of this Review, a Survey has been sent to each Presbytery requesting feedback from their respective Pastoral Relations Committees (or equivalent) regarding the Code, its implementation and effectiveness. It is also available to download here. For further information, please contact the Project Officer, Rev Dr Jenny Byrnes. |
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The Uniting Church in Australia seeks a highly skilled Executive Assistant to support the President. This key role provides high-level administrative, communications and governance support, managing complex scheduling, travel and events. With discretion, flexibility and initiative, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the President is well-prepared and supported in all aspects of their ministry and engagement. |
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Bring hope this Christmas by hosting an Everything in Common gift stall. By doing so, you’ll help UnitingWorld fight poverty and support people working hard to overcome injustice and the impacts of climate change. Each card you sell represents a life-changing gift – from clean water and solar lights, to goats, food gardens, small business support and more! Register for a stall and UnitingWorld will send you everything you need. |
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 | - The Assembly has released a list of key dates for 2026, which includes official Uniting Church commemorations, liturgical and ecumenical events, as well as social and cultural celebrations.
- PreachFest is coming 24–25 October! Whether you preach in churches, schools, workplaces or everyday moments, this event is for you. Join keynote speakers Stan Grant, Monica Melanchton, Sathi Clarke and many others.
- The annual Roy Bradley Oration presented by the Centre for Spirituality of Care and Community is on 26 October via Zoom. The inspiring Michael Lapsley will explore the question, ‘How do we respond together in life giving ways when terrible things happen?’.
- The Banyule Network of Uniting Churches in Melbourne has found creative new ways to engage with their local community by integrating worship, art and inclusive outreach. Read all about it.
- Uniting Creative is staging the official launch of its ‘Witness’ worship album on 8 November in Sydney. Get your free ticket here!
- Resources for the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity have been released by the World Council of Churches. They are currently available in six languages with more to come.
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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 |
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Join us in prayer for... - Vulnerable Australians negatively impacted by gambling, and for the work of Wesley Mission and others who pursue gambling reform in our country.
- The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. May God bring a permanent end to the two-year war that has affected thousands of lives.
- High school leavers across Australia who are undertaking their final exams now and in the weeks to come.
- All members of the UCA National History Society, who work tirelessly to preserve and promote the historical journey of the Uniting Church.
- The nations of Panama, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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