The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Uniting Church in Australia - 2025 President's Conference reflections and recap | UCA's new Strategic Plan | Update on the Pride Circle & more in National Update 28 January
When members of the Uniting Church gathered for the 2025 UCA President’s Conference last November, they did so as pilgrims and partners.
Hosted by President Rev Charissa Suli, the conference in Tonga was a homecoming of faith, friendship and renewal, celebrating the enduring relationship between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.
Over four days on the island of Tongatapu, delegates moved between theological colleges, schools and churches, sharing worship, dialogue and deep cultural immersion. Voices from across the Pacific, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, including First Peoples, came together to listen, learn and strengthen the cords that bind our churches in love and justice.
As the year unfolds, we invite you to pause and reflect on this life-giving gathering. Below, five conference delegates share their personal reflections and lessons for the church, alongside a highlights video capturing a memorable four days of hospitality, song and shared faith.
This year, the National Assembly commences its new strategy for the period 2026–31 centred on the vision Uniting in Christ: Flourishing Faith – Thriving Communities – Liberating Justice.
Over the next three weeks in National Update, the Assembly’s General Secretary, Andrew Johnson, will introduce the three Strategic Goals which are at the heart of the strategy and a flavour of what this will mean for the Assembly’s working in the coming years.
In this edition, he shares the first Strategic Goal – Flourishing Faith. Read more here.
President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, recently appeared on the Filthy Hope podcast for a deeply honest and hope-filled conversation. In this episode, Rev Suli reflects on what it means to embrace your whole life story – especially the parts we are often told to hide. From becoming a teen mum to being ordained and elected as President, she speaks candidly about shame, judgement, cultural expectations and moments when the church fell short.
Alongside hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries, Rev Suli offers a powerful reminder: God’s unconditional love can transform pain into purpose, and our past does not disqualify us – it can become our strength.
The latest addition to the Assembly Circles of Interest – the Pride Circle – has been launched, uniting LGBTIQA+ members and allies to support the Uniting Church’s mission of love and inclusion.
Approved by the Assembly Standing Committee, the diverse panel brings lived experience and expertise in theology, law, pastoral care, governance and organisational change.
In case you were not aware, the book containing the Basis of Union, Constitution, Regulations, Covenanting Statement, Manual for Meetings and Code of Ethics is available as a PDF on Uhub as a free download.
Unfortunately, in December we discovered some minor issues in the printed copy of the Combined Constitution and Regulations and the PDF version which was available for download at that time. These minor errors were introduced while redoing the layout for printing and have now been corrected. Anyone who purchased a physical copy has been contacted and offered the possibility of a reprint, but if you downloaded the PDF prior to the end of 2025, your PDF may be affected. We encourage you to re-download it from the link above.
The issue affects regulations which include an un-numbered heading within the regulation (eg. Reg 2.5.5, p101). In these cases, sub-points (a, b, c etc) were restarted from (a) following the heading rather than continuing on until the end of the regulation.
In 2022, the 16th Assembly (Reconvened) requested the ASC to set up a task group to aid the national Church in bringing together the work happening in many parts of the Church and achieving our goal of net zero emissions by 2040. The Net Zero Steering Committee has since that time been drawing together experts and those working in this field from across the life of the Church, to share stories, compare and align approaches, develop tools and attempt to learn from the wisdom of First Peoples.
The Net Zero Steering Committee has hosted a number of roundtables (with another coming later this year - details to come!) and set up some specific sub-groups focusing on Measuring Emissions, Exploring Carbon Offsets, Learning from First People’s Wisdom, Climate Champions and Practical Steps in Congregations.
Arising from the Climate Champions group, and driven by excellent work in the NSW-ACT Synod, there will be a training event held in Sydney in late February. Called Vaka 2026, this event will enable our Church leaders to be upskilled in community organising to enable advocacy and action related to Climate Change. Download the flyer and register here.
If you’re located outside NSW or the ACT and would like to attend but travel costs are an issue, the Assembly may be able to assist. Contact us at aru@nat.uca.org.au.
On the frontline of Uniting Vic.Tas’ harm reduction work, Nathan Farley walks alongside people facing overdose risk, trauma and exclusion – offering practical support, dignity and hope to those too often left behind.
Earlier this month, the Synod of NSW & ACT Moderator, Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau joined national faith leaders at an interfaith dinner, hosted by the Governor-General, which focused on unity, religious freedom and social cohesion.
The Synod of Western Australia presents Summer Spirit 2026 next month at Lake Gwelup Reserve. “Walking Together, Covenanting Together” will be theme of the family-friendly gathering led by Len Yarran and Rev Ken Sumner.
Rev Will Pearson – a long time Uniting Church minister and former Chair of Frontier Services died earlier this month, aged 82. A replay of his memorial service can be viewed here.
February 13 Anniversary of the Apology to Stolen Generations 18 Ash Wednesday 18 Lent begins (until 2 April)
March 6 World Day of Prayer 8 International Women's Day 19 Close the Gap Day 17-23 Harmony Week (including 21 March - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination) 29 Palm Sunday
April 3-5 Easter weekend 24 Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide 25 ANZAC Day
Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar.
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