| | The Uniting Church in Australia has renewed its partnership with the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT), reaffirming a shared commitment to faith, solidarity and climate justice as rising seas threaten the future of Tuvalu. During the EKT’s 29th General Assembly in Tuvalu, a Uniting Church delegation led by President Rev Charissa Suli signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the two churches. The delegation also met with Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo and Governor-General Rev Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani. For Tuvaluans, land is deeply tied to culture, ancestry and faith, making climate change not only an environmental crisis but a threat to identity and belonging. Rev Suli said the partnership reflects the Church’s call to “walk together in faith, solidarity, justice and hope” alongside Pacific neighbours facing the realities of a warming world. |
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| | | | | Starting last Sunday and continuing until the UCA’s 49th Anniversary on 22 June, we as a Church are embarking on a shared season of national prayer. Uniting in Prayer is an invitation for the whole Church to slow down, listen deeply to God, and reconnect with one another across cultures, communities and distances. Each day, a different voice from within our Church is leading us in praying as one body around a single, unifying question: “What does it mean to be woven together in Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries?”. We encourage congregations and individuals to use the resources, and to sign up to receive the daily prayer and other updates. |
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| | | | Leaders from across the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress gathered in Darwin last week for the National Executive Meeting, joined by Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson, UnitingCare Australia National Director Tamara Thomas, newly appointed Frontier Services National Director Dave Parker and President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh. Rev Dr Goh gave an address on Thursday morning, reflecting on the Uniting Church’s covenantal relationship with Congress as central to the Church’s identity and future. He said genuine renewal must include deeper truth-telling, justice and transformation in relationships with First Peoples and culturally diverse communities. Drawing on the wisdom of First Peoples leaders including Rev Dr Aunty Denise Champion and Uncle Rev Ken Sumner, Rev Goh described reconciliation as something that must be lived and practised, not merely declared. Read his full speech here. |
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| | | | The Northern Synod, NRCC Presbytery and the Galiwin’ku congregation gathered on Pentecost weekend to celebrate the ordination of Rev Djawut Gondarra and Rev Yurranydjil Dhurrkay. Led by Synod Moderator Rev Felicity Amery, UAICC Co-Chair Rev Will Pickett and NRCC Chair Mr Jamie Nyaningu, the service brought together church leaders and communities from across the country. Preaching from 1 Samuel 16, Rev Dr Peter Hobson reflected on God calling “the heart of a djagamirr (shepherd)”, while Pentecost worship celebrated the Spirit moving through the winds, fires and many languages of Arnhem Land. |
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| | | | Last week, Uniting Church Australian Defence Force Chaplains attended the inaugural Australia New Zealand Moral Injury Conference in Launceston, joining chaplains, psychologists, mental health professionals and pastoral carers from across Australia and overseas. The conference highlighted the work of Defence’s Directorate of Spiritual Health and Meaning, with three UCA chaplains presenting. UCA Defence chaplains continue to play a leading role in trailblazing work around moral injury within Defence and the wider community, both nationally and internationally. Pictured above: Rev Dr (Chaplain, Wing Commander) Assoc Professor Lindsay Carey, CSM (VIC/TAS), Rev Dr (Chaplain, Wing Commander) Tim Hodgson (SA), Rev (Chaplain, Colonel) Charles Vesely (Director, ADF Spiritual Health and Meaning) (QLD) and Rev (Senior Chaplain) Andrew Watters RAN (NSW). |
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| | | | In remote Australia, some people go days – even weeks – without meaningful connection. For those living far from towns and services, feelings of isolation can quietly take a toll on their wellbeing. For many, the arrival of a Frontier Services Bush Chaplain is the highlight of their week. Bush Chaplains like Sunny travel enormous distances to reach people in isolated communities – to check in, share a cup of tea, and truly listen. It’s a simple act, but for someone like Muriel, knowing that a familiar, caring face will come through the door means everything. Right now, many people across remote Australia are doing it tough. Your support helps make those visits possible, keeping Bush Chaplains on the road and out in the communities that need them most – because no one should have to face the hard times alone. Be there for people like Muriel today. |
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| | | | The World Council of Churches is inviting churches and individuals worldwide to join the Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine on 11 June. Organised in partnership with the Ukrainian Council of Churches, the online prayer gathering will seek to bring the global ecumenical community into a shared rhythm of solidarity, hope and intercession for peace. |
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| | | The World Methodist Council Youth and Young Adults Committee is hosting an interactive online session next Tuesday evening, exploring international law, peacebuilding and Christian ethical responsibility. Registration is essential. Mansfield Uniting Church has led the charge in establishing a new shower and toilet facility in its local community, offering dignity, care and practical support for people experiencing hardship. You’re invited to ONE – a cross-cultural, intergenerational gathering celebrating our unity in Christ. Through worship, storytelling, conversation and reflection, explore what it means to live as ONE body, shaped by justice, compassion and reconciliation. Register today! Frontier Services’ Outback Links is seeking volunteers for a Broken Hill trip this August, supporting the Mundi Mundi Bash through hospitality, connection and community outreach. Rev Amelia Koh-Butler has penned this reflection on the late Rev Prof Dr Jione Havea, who died unexpectedly in Tonga last month. A global movement to honour creation in worship has reached a significant milestone, with Protestant churches adopting the ‘Feast of Creation’ in the Revised Common Lectionary.
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| | | May
31 Trinity Sunday June
14-20 Refugee Week
16 Net Zero Roundtable #2
22 49th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia
28 UnitingWorld Sunday
July
5-12 NAIDOC Week
10 Anniversary of the UCA-UAICC Covenant
16 Net Zero Roundtable #3
19 Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar. |
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| | | Join us in prayer for... thanks for the renewed partnership between the Uniting Church and the people and churches of Tuvalu. May God grant wisdom and courage to leaders, as well as protection to Tuvaluan communities vulnerable to climate change. our Church as we journey through this season of Uniting in Prayer. Almighty God, may we listen more deeply and be guided by you so that every culture, community and generation may find welcome, dignity and purpose in Christ. the vital ministry of our Australian Defence Force Chaplains. May Christ’s love and compassion be clearly reflected in every conversation, act of care and moment of presence as they support Defence personnel and their families with wisdom, courage and hope. Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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