National Update

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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

"Digital violence is real violence": a message from Tonga for the 16 Days of Activism

Alongside Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli, voices from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific have united to send a message for this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

Turning to the 2025 global theme, 'End digital violence against all women and girls', the message was filmed at the 2025 President's Conference on the island of Tongatapu, Tonga. We are particularly grateful for the involvement of the incredible women running the Women and Children Crisis Centre in Nuku'alofa, which supports women and girls across all the islands of Tonga.

The 16 Days of Activism is a global UN Women-led campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

As the Uniting Church we affirm that gender-based violence, like all violence, is against the will of God. We are committed to advocating for a Church and world where all may flourish in equality, safety and respect.

Watch it here

ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE

Strategy approved, 18th Assembly dates set as ASC meets in November

The approval of a new Assembly Strategy was top of the agenda in a packed weekend of business at the Assembly Standing Committee meeting from 21-23 November. And you heard it here first: the 18th Assembly will be held from 8-13 July 2027 at Adelaide Town Hall! Read our report and see photos from the gathering.

PRESIDENT

Memorial service makes space for love and grief after suicide

President Rev Charissa Suli offers this pastoral reflection following the Wesley Mission LifeForce Suicide Memorial service in Canberra on Monday evening. "As part of the ceremony, each of us placed a sunflower in memory of those we have lost. Each one represented a story and a life deeply loved. Grief may change over time, but love remains."

ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH

Friendship the theme of the day at the Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast

Friendship is the secret when it comes to building a society that embraces diversity and interfaith dialogue, journalist Geraldine Doogue has said at this year's Federal Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast. President Rev Charissa Suli and other Uniting Church ministers and leaders were among more than 200 people of many faiths and cultures in attendance at Parliament House. Read more and see photos in our Facebook post.

CLIMATE JUSTICE

Uniting Church to join faith presence at The People's Blockade this weekend

Find out how to join others from the Uniting Church and other churches and faiths at The People's Blockade this weekend in Newcastle, one of Australia’s most iconic climate action events held on the foreshore of the world’s largest coal port.

ADVENT

ICYMI: Resources for your Advent preparation

In case you missed it, we’ve gathered a range of links to resource your worship planning and mark this season with your community and family. We've got resources from the Synod of Queensland, With Love to the World, Intergen, Common Grace and more, plus a massive list of intergenerational resources and some great music sites. Find the 2025-2026 Uniting Church Lectionary here, and Lectionary resources here.

November
25 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence begins (ends 10 Dec)
30 Advent begins (ends 24 Dec)
December
25 Christmas Day
January
25 Uniting Church Day of Mourning
26 Australia/Survival Day

Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar.

Have a story to share?

National Update is sent 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...

Dignity and safety for every woman and girl, offline and online, as we continue the 16 Days of Activism.
Those who have lost someone they love to suicide. May there be places to speak grief, speak their name and remember with love.
The People's Blockade this weekend as thousands peacefully and creatively call for an end to coal exports and for urgent climate action.
Christians everywhere as we begin the season of Advent this Sunday. Let our hearts and minds and very lives 'prepare the way' for the One who is breaking into our world.
East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia, Philippines as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Hospitality and Administration Assistant - Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
Provide a range of administration and hospitality services as a key part of the reception service at the Centre for Theology and Ministry.

Pastor - Newtown Mission
The Newtown Pastor role is one of the key ministry positions within Newtown Mission. Work closely with the Senior Minister to develop a culture of discipleship grounded in the distinctives of Newtown Mission.