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After almost nine years of faithful service, Rev Lindsay Cullen was formally farewelled from his role as Associate General Secretary of the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly last week. At a Closure of Ministry service at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney, colleagues, Church members and partners gathered to give thanks for Lindsay’s ministry, leadership and the relationships he has built across the Uniting Church. President Rev Charissa Suli reflected on Lindsay’s ministry of imagination, courage and care, while General Secretary Andrew Johnson highlighted his innovative approach, willingness to work at the edges of the Church and commitment to being present in the life of the Assembly. In his own reflections, Lindsay spoke of his deep love for the Uniting Church and his hope to continue exploring what it means to be a movement following Jesus Christ. As he looks towards a new chapter in congregational ministry, the Assembly gives thanks for Lindsay’s many years of service and prays God’s blessing on what lies ahead. |
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Registrations are now open for Held Together – a four-day gathering of young adults aged 18–35 from across Australia and around the world, taking place from 21–24 January 2027 at Merroo Christian Centre in Kurrajong, NSW. Co-led by Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, Held Together will bring diverse cultures, communities and stories together through faith, worship, learning and connection. The gathering will create space for spiritual renewal, intercultural engagement, and First Nations leadership and perspectives – offering young adults an opportunity to listen, learn, grow and build relationships across cultures. An early bird price is available until 30 September. Gather your group and register today! |
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Work continues on the Uniting Church’s Constitutional amendments that support Act2’s vision for communities of faith that worship God, care for one another and participate in God’s mission in locally relevant ways. The changes form part of implementing the Gift of the Spirit proposal, which is shaping the future of the Uniting Church through renewed governance, resourcing and leadership. An Exposure Draft has been released for consultation to Synods and Presbyteries, with feedback invited by 31 October 2026. The proposed amendments aim to increase flexibility, reduce the burden of faith on local communities and strengthen Presbytery support and oversight. A Final Draft is expected in the new year. For more information about the consultation and Act2 implementation, visit the Act2 website. Members seeking guidance on how the proposals may affect their local context can contact the Chair of their Presbytery or General Secretary of their Synod. |
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The National Assembly is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people to join its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (AFARC). This voluntary role provides independent oversight of financial stewardship, risk management, governance, compliance and assurance across the National Assembly and its agencies. Applications are welcome from UCA members and non-members with relevant governance, financial or risk experience. The initial appointment is for three years. Applications close 7 September 2026. |
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Frontier Services is seeking a strategic and experienced National Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising growth, strengthen supporter relationships and help sustain our work alongside people in rural and remote Australia. This is a full-time, Sydney-based role. Learn more and apply here. |
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AROUND THE CHURCHVale Ken Handley AO CStJ KC |
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The Uniting Church joins in mourning the death of former Justice of the NSW Court of Appeal Ken Handley AO CStJ KC, who passed away on 18 July aged 91. Mr Handley played an important role in resolving property matters arising from the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977. In 1975, a Commission was established to hear property claims from those entering the Union and those remaining in the continuing Presbyterian Church. Known initially as the Presbyterian Property Commission, and later as the Handley Commission, it comprised representatives of both groups and three independent members. Mr Handley, an Anglican, was appointed an independent member and Chair. The Commission operated from 1976 to 1978, with a brief return in 1984. Its decisions were compiled in the Handley Report, which continues to be used today. |
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Join Lay Preachers and leaders from across Australia for an exciting, engaging and interactive conference exploring the many dimensions and challenges of preaching, worship and ministry in today’s world. Hosted by the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the conference will explore preaching, worship and ministry through themes including Scripture and theology, multiculturalism, inclusion, diversity, mission, social justice and creativity. President Rev Charissa Suli will be among 16 presenters, offering interactive learning, practical discussions and worship. Click here to find out more and to register. |
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UnitingWorld recently welcomed the Steering Committee of the Oceania Faith Communities Advancing Safety and Equality project to Sydney. Bringing together churches across the Pacific, the project seeks to strengthen collaboration and collective action to end gender-based violence and promote equality. The Committee spent much of the week at United Theological College, taking part in workshops focused on the project’s sustainability and future direction. They also visited UnitingWorld’s office, where staff joined the global church family in wearing black to grieve and protest violence against women, renewing their commitment to building a safer, more just world. |
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UnitingCare Australia has welcomed the Government’s decision to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program until 30 June 2029, saying the move will provide certainty for older Australians and aged care providers during a period of significant reform. Over 40 years, Rev Bill Crews has overseen a ministry of compassion, hospitality and practical care at Ashfield Uniting Church. It’s a remarkable story of a ministry shaped by one simple response: opening the door, one knock at a time. Registrations are now open for the Filipino National Conference, being held from 30 October to 1 November at Sydney’s Quakers Hill Uniting Church. Click here for more details. World Council of Churches’ Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay has honoured the faithful witness and service of Christian women during his visit to Nigeria. ICYMI: Season of Creation 2026 starts next week. Download the resources!
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Join us in prayer for... Rev Lindsay Cullen as he begins a new chapter of ministry, giving thanks for his faithful service as the outgoing Assembly General Secretary. the forthcoming Held Together conference – that it will be an occasion for young adults to encounter spiritual renewal, develop meaningful relationships and strengthen unity across cultures and generations. Pacific churches working in collaboration with UnitingWorld to end gender-based violence, promote equality and build stronger communities where every person feels safe and valued. Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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| August
30 Frontier Services Sunday
September
1 Season of Creation (until 4 Oct)
4-6 National Lay Preachers’ Conference
October
4 Older Persons Sunday
22 Anniversary of National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
30 Filipino National Conference (until 1 Nov)
Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar. |
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