10 December 2025

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

PRESIDENT

Christmas messages from our President

This Christmas, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, invites us to remember that God’s light meets us wherever we are – in both joy and sorrow.

In her main Christmas message, Rev Suli recognises that many are carrying mixed emotions after a year marked by fires, floods, rising costs and global conflicts. Yet she reminds us that the Christmas story still speaks today: “Do not be afraid. For today, a Saviour is born”.

Rev Suli shared glimpses of this light at work – in the red dust of Oodnadatta where an Aboriginal community opened a long-awaited church, in celebrations strengthening ties between Australia and Tonga, and in communities around the world standing for justice and compassion. “Different places, different stories – but the same light, Christ’s light,” she said.

Rev Suli also shared a “Blue Christmas” message for those finding this season difficult.

She encourages the lighting of a candle for those whose absence aches, speaking aloud the names that live in our hearts, and trusting that “God comes not only in our celebration, but also in our pain”.

Watch and Download

UNITINGWORLD

Faith, culture and courageous leadership in Canberra 

The 2025 Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders’ Summit, held last month, gathered young leaders from the Pacific, Australia and First Nations communities for a week of formation, cultural exchange, worship and advocacy training. Led by Micah and supported by UnitingWorld, delegates later lobbied federal leaders on urgent community issues. The summit included 10 Uniting Church delegates, representatives from partner Pacific churches and three UCA elders offering pastoral support.

PRESIDENT'S REFLECTION

Threads of Love across our Outback

Last month, President Rev Charissa Suli travelled to the NSW Riverina region to join young volunteers and Frontier Services staff in launching a new pilot program. In this reflection piece, she shares of the faith, service and intercultural welcome she witnessed and experienced.

UNITINGCARE AUSTRALIA

New National Director announced for UnitingCare Australia

UnitingCare Australia has announced the appointment of Tamara Thomas as its new National Director. Ms Thomas has held senior leadership roles globally, including serving as a Director at the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), where she championed health equity and strategic partnerships. She will commence with UnitingCare Australia next February.

GLOBAL CHURCH

WCC Beijing 30+ Consultation held in Indonesia 

The World Council of Churches (WCC) concluded its Beijing 30+ Consultation on Sunday after three days of intensive dialogue, theological reflection and advocacy on gender justice. Held in Jakarta, Indonesia, the gathering brought together leaders from across Asia and the Pacific, including Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli, who participated in multiple panels and delivered the closing sermon.

First Nations people have been given an historic apology by the Victorian Government. The action has been welcomed by Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Moderator Rev Salesi Faupula.
For over 30 years, Newlife Church has fostered a welcoming community where adults living with disability are embraced through a weekly gatherings of love, hospitality and belonging.
In his role with the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Taua Ritiata has spent the past four years helping seasonal workers in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme find belonging and support in unfamiliar places.
Wesley Mission Sydney is giving children who've experienced hardship a chance to shine, through a Christmas exhibition called Every Child Deserves a Canvas, showcasing their art as a celebration of worth and belonging.
Former Moderator of the United Church in Canada, The Very Rev Robert Smith has died, aged 91. He served as the denomination’s 30th Moderator from 1984-86.
ICYMI: Young and seasoned faith leaders are invited to apply for GEM School event scholarships.

December
10-24 Advent continues
25 Christmas Day
January
25 Uniting Church Day of Mourning
26 Australia/Survival Day
February
13  Anniversary of the Apology to Stolen Generations
18  Ash Wednesday
18  Lent begins (until 2 April)

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...

Church members grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas. May they draw comfort from our Emmanuel, our God who is always with us.
Uniting Church communities as they continue the journey through Advent, preparing hearts and minds for the arrival of the Christ child.
Women and family violence victims. As the 16 Days of Activism against Gendered-based Violence concludes for this year, may our leaders recognise the urgent need for change to protect those in harmful environments.
Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Positions available

Generations Coordinator - Clare UC (Synod of SA)
A part-time, two-year fixed term role collaborating with church leaders and helping grow intergenerational faith, support families and develop discipleship pathways.

Communications Coordinator - Charlestown & Garden Suburb UC (Synod of NSW & ACT)
A part-time content specialist required to craft great stories, design engaging visuals and champion justice initiatives.

Student Services Officer - Darwin (Nungalinya College)
Provide students with practical welfare support and guidance in accessing tertiary and government services, while handling key administrative duties of the college.

Minister of the Word - Bulimba UC (QLD Synod)
A church with a rich history of witness and practical ministry seeks a visionary leader ready to inspire, collaborate, and ‘get hands dirty’ in mission, ministry and community life.