18 February 2026

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

SEASON OF LENT

‘In Unsettled Times, Remain Anchored in Christ’: President’s invitation to the Church this Lent

Today, Christians around the world enter the season of Lent – the 40-day journey toward Easter – and Uniting Church President, Rev Charissa Suli, is inviting all across our Church to embrace it with renewed intention.

In her Lenten Invitation, Rev Suli encourages congregations, leaders and affiliated communities to look beyond surface-level sacrifice. “The Lenten season is not about giving up chocolate … If that is all we do, we have missed the invitation,” she writes, calling the Church into deeper reflection and spiritual renewal.

In a world marked by uncertainty and division, Rev Suli urges the body of Christ to fast from whatever “hardens the heart” and to turn intentionally toward prayer, courageous love and generous action. Lent, she suggests, is not a time for retreat, but an opportunity to allow God to reshape our hearts and habits – individually and collectively.

“This season is not about spiritual performance. It is about transformation,” she affirms.

“May this Lent shape us into a Church that looks more like Christ – courageous, humble and radiant with resurrection hope!”

Read her invitation

UNITINGWORLD

Today is the start of UnitingWorld’s Lent Event!

Today is Ash Wednesday, which means the start of UnitingWorld’s Lent Event! We encourage you to take a moment to watch Martha’s story from Timor-Leste and see how partnership through the Uniting Church is preventing hunger and restoring dignity.

Join as a congregation or individual through 40 for the Future, use the Lent resources to inspire your church, and give generously to stand with families facing poverty and climate change.

FEDERAL BUDGET

UnitingCare Australia releases Pre-Budget Submission

In its 2026-27 Pre-Budget Submission, UnitingCare Australia has called on the Federal Government to place wellbeing at the heart of economic policy. It contends that true productivity strengthens inclusion, resilience and community wellbeing, not just efficiency, and has set out practical, evidence-based proposals to expand equitable access to care, prioritise prevention, and drive long-term social and economic gains for all Australians.

OUR NATION

‘Fairness, not just growth, is the key to productivity’ says President Rev Suli

As the Federal Government sharpens its focus on productivity, President Rev Charissa Suli insists that it must be grounded in fairness, justice and human dignity to truly strengthen Australia’s economy. In this thought-provoking article, Rev Suli writes, “A society that values people over profit and justice over short-term gain will not only be more compassionate – it will be more productive in the deepest and most enduring sense”.

ECUMENISM

Uniting and Lutheran Churches hold first Dialogue meeting of 2026

Earlier this month, leaders from the Uniting Church and the Lutheran Church of Australia met to advance cooperation in mission, ministry and fellowship. Drawing on principles of receptive ecumenism, the Dialogue reflected on shared understandings, affirmed the agreed statement At the Table on the Eucharist, and prayed for unity and future engagement.

PEOPLE OF THE UNITING CHURCH

From Bangkok to a New Calling: Emelia Haskey reflects on her time at the 5th Global Peace Summit

Attending the 5th Global Peace Summit in Bangkok last month, Uniting Church leader Emelia Haskey discovered more than new ideas – she found a calling. Surrounded by voices shaped by conflict and hope, what began as an opportunity to learn became a life-changing encounter with the realities of peacebuilding. Her reflection reveals how global dialogue and personal connection can redefine one’s understanding of justice, resilience and service.

ICYMI: Ahead of International Women’s Day, President Rev Suli is inviting nominations of inspiring Uniting Church women shaping their communities. Share their stories by 26 February for our IWD celebration.
Uniting NSW.ACT Chief Executive Tracey Burton will step down from her role later this year, bringing to a close eight years of outstanding and impactful leadership.
Good Sammy Enterprises has officially opened its $5.7M redeveloped headquarters to enhance learning, employment, and wellbeing for Western Australians with disability.
The Vatican says it will not join the US‑led Board of Peace for Gaza, citing its unique status and insisting the UN should lead crisis response.

February
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.

ACT: Care Excellence Lead - Uniting NSW.ACT

NSW: National Director - Frontier Services

NSW: Executive Assistant to the Moderator - Synod of NSW & ACT

NSW: Operations, Communications & Finance Coordinator - Wesley Castle Hill UC

NT: Director of Mission - ARRCS

QLD: Youth and Families Minister - The Gap UC

QLD: Lead Minister - Aspley UC

SA: Communications Officer - Synod of SA

VIC: Project Manager (HR & Payroll) - Uniting Vic.Tas

TAS: Occupational Therapist - Uniting AgeWell

WA: Mobile Collections Driver - Good Sammy

Join us in prayer for...

This season of Lent. May God soften our hearts and deepen our discipleship, lead us beyond surface sacrifice into true spiritual renewal – being a Church of Christ’s courageous love, humble service and generous action.
The life and legacy of civil rights activist, Rev Jesse Jackson, who has died at the age of 84.
Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Germany as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.