National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

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THE GLOBAL CHURCH

WCRC 27th General Council nears conclusion with UCA taking active role

The Uniting Church in Australia has taken an active and visible role at the 27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), held over the past week in Thailand.

Gathered under the theme, “Persevere in Your Witness”, the global meeting has been a space for ecumenical worship, justice-focused dialogue and collaborative action by the more than 400 delegates from over 100 countries.

Led by President Rev Charissa Suli, the six-member UCA delegation has contributed to committee work, youth engagement and global solidarity efforts, including calls for peace, climate justice and reconciliation.

AROUND THE UNITING CHURCH

Faith, fellowship and fun as President joins with faith communities for family camp

Earlier in October, President Rev Charissa Suli joined families in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania for a weekend camp exploring the theme, 'Threads of Inclusion.' The theme was inspired by the President's theme for the trriennium, 'Threads of Love'. The camp – filled with laughter, zip-lines, worship, prayer and shared meals – brought the theme to life as people of all ages celebrated being part of a Church where everyone belongs. Read this reflection by Rev Deacon Jeanne Beale, originally published in Crosslight.

OUR PEOPLE

Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community

Across Australia, op shops have served communities for 100 years, offering bargains but also belonging. At Corrimal Uniting on the NSW South Coast, volunteer Val Thurston is a shining example of this spirit. With warmth and humour, Val has helped turn their op shop into a place of connection and kindness for all who enter.

THE GLOBAL CHURCH

Seventh anniversary of national apology to survivors

Today, 22 October, marks the seventh anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. This anniversary offers a moment to reaffirm the Uniting Church's apology to survivors, reflect on the injustices of the past, and renew our commitment to a culture of safety creating across the Church. We invite you to read the President’s statement and download the worship resource.
Image: from a worship service at Hope Uniting Church to mark the anniversary in 2024.

THE GLOBAL CHURCH

Changing lives through generosity

During his current visit to Thailand as a member of the Uniting Church’s delegation to the World Communion of Reformed Churches’ General Council, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh has shared in a unique presentation hosted by one of UCA’s Korean partner churches.

YOUR CHURCH

Code’s major review: survey distributed

The Assembly Standing Committee is conducting a Review of the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice and its effectiveness across the Uniting Church. As part of this Review, a survey has been sent to each Presbytery for feedback on the Code. The survey is also available to download here. For further information, please contact the Project Officer, Rev Dr Jenny Byrnes.

It’s your last chance to register for PreachFest 2025. Join keynote speakers Stan Grant, Monica Melanchton, Sathi Clarke and others online or in person.
The World Council of Churches has joined with a panel of economists, faith leaders and policymakers in calling for radical debt reform during Pope Francis’ declared Jubilee Year.
ICYMI: President Rev Charissa Suli expressed deep relief and cautious hope in a statement released following the signing of the recent Israel–Hamas peace agreement.
For 19 years, Campfire has gathered church members from across WA for fireside chats, worship, kids’ activities and connection. The tradition continued stronger than ever on the last weekend of September.
Bring hope this Christmas! Host an Everything in Common gift stall to help UnitingWorld fight poverty and injustice. Each card sold supports life-changing gifts like clean water, goats and gardens.
ICYMI: 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.

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...

Survivors of child sexual abuse and their families. We pray for justice, for strength and healing as the Church marks the seventh anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.
For Rev David Jackson and the Synod of Western Australia as he is installed as their Moderator this Saturday.
The thousands of volunteers who give of their time and energy to support the Uniting Church and affiliated agencies. We give praise to God their talents, generosity and love.
Mexico and the nations of the Caribbean as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Jobs: Executive Assistant - UCA Assembly (Sydney)
This key role provides high-level administrative, communications and governance support, managing complex scheduling, travel and events.

Jobs: Early Childhood Educator - East Devonport (Uniting Vic.Tas)
Be a part of the first 3-year-old Early Learning Program in Tasmania, supported by a team focused on nurturing kids’ strengths, interests and social connections, and teaching values.

Jobs: Formation and Learning Culture Coordinator - UCEF (Synod of WA)
Oversee formation programs and foster a learning culture for ministry candidates and agents within the Uniting Church of WA.

Jobs: UAICC Pastor - Wellington UC (Synod of NSW-ACT)
Serve alongside First Nations communities, supporting spiritual and holistic wellbeing, and advancing reconciliation, justice and transformation within the Church and beyond.