4 August 2026

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Featured Story

Update on UCA Constitutional Reform

Consultation has opened on proposed amendments to the Uniting Church Constitution to fulfil the Vision of Stream A of the Act2 Project, which envisages communities of faith worshipping God, growing as disciples, caring for one another, and participating in God’s mission in ways that reflect their local context.

As part of the Assembly Standing Committee’s (ASC) work on fit-for-purpose local governance it has released an Exposure Draft for review and invites Synods and Presbyteries to provide feedback by 31 October 2026.

The proposed Constitutional changes arise from decisions made by members from across the life of the Church including every Presbytery and Synod at the 17th Assembly meeting in Parramatta in July 2024. To achieve this Vision, the Assembly committed to strengthening the current Regulations to give local communities of faith greater flexibility, reduce administrative burdens, and strengthen the ability of Presbyteries to support and oversee communities in worship, mission, ministry and service.

Since August 2024, the ASC, supported by a cross-Synod Reference Group and the Assembly Resourcing Unit, has advanced this work. After undertaking a detailed legal review, the Assembly received advice confirming that key changes to the Regulations require Constitutional amendments before they can be implemented.

The Assembly will use feedback received during the consultation period to prepare a Final Draft for consideration in 2027. Any amendment to the Constitution requires approval from the Assembly through its Standing Committee, a majority of Synods and two-thirds of Presbyteries.

We look forward to keeping all church members updated on the progress of the process.

ECUMENICAL

Resources for Season of Creation 2026 now available

Each year from 1 September to 4 October, Christians around the world join in the Season of Creation – a time of prayer, worship and action celebrating God as Creator and caring for our common home.

Click here to learn more about this special season on the Christian calendar, and to download the resources to use in your church.

AROUND THE CHURCH

Presbytery leaders gather in Hobart

The UCA National Presbytery Ministers Gathering brought leaders from every state and territory to Hobart last week for worship, learning and conversation about leadership in times of change.

Participants heard from President Rev Charissa Suli, General Secretary Andrew Johnson and Act2 Commission leaders, as well as Rev Dr Julian Hamilton of the Methodist Church of Ireland.

Reflecting on the gathering, Rev Suli highlighted the importance of listening, reconciliation and strengthening congregations, schools, agencies and community ministries.

ASSEMBLY

National Assembly leadership position available

The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Director, Identity & Mission. This key national role will help shape the Church’s future by strengthening our identity, fostering unity, amplifying our shared story and advancing the Assembly Strategy 2026–31.

Working across the Church in Australia and with global partners, the successful candidate will build relationships, support faithful change and create opportunities for young people to lead. If you’re passionate about mission, justice and the life of the Church, we encourage you to apply.

Interested applicants are invited to mail a 2 page letter and a CV to the General Secretary at gensec@nat.uca.org.au.

AROUND THE CHURCH

Your invitation to the Rev Dr Michelle Cook Lecture and Workshops

The Northern Synod is staging the inaugural Rev Dr Michelle Cook Lecture and Workshops this October as it honours the legacy of the gifted theologian, educator and leader.

Focusing on the theme, ‘Covenant – our lived experience and renewal of the UCA–UAICC Covenant’, the event will feature a keynote conversation with Rev Ken Sumner and Dr Rosemary Dewerse as well as workshops giving focus to First Peoples justice-based theology, theological education, discipleship and women in ministry.

This event will be held at Nungalinya College and online on 1 October. Register today!

AROUND THE CHURCH

Giving thanks for Rev Pita Qasevakatini’s faithful ministry

Last Friday, the Sydney Fijian Parish gave thanks for the faithful ministry of Talatala Rev Pita Qasevakatini, and to commend Pita and his wife Tupou into God’s continuing care as they return home to Fiji.

Congregations gathered at Parramatta’s Leith Memorial Church to give thanks to God for Pita’s ministry among us over the past five years and bless them as they prepare to return home to Fiji. We also remember their children, whose love, patience and sacrifice have been part of this journey, even from across the ocean.

Friday reminded us the Church is always larger than one congregation or one nation.

The Methodist Church in Fiji entrusted one of its ministers to us, and for this we give thanks. The Assembly, UnitingWorld, the Synod of NSW and ACT, Sydney Presbytery, Fiji National Conference, and especially Fiji Parish, all worked collectively to welcome Pita and Tupou so generously.

Pita and Tupou return home with new friendships, new experiences and new wisdom. Above all, they return knowing that the God who called them to Australia is the same God who now calls you both home to Fiji.

The Sydney Presbytery will be conducting the closure of ministry service for Rev Pita at Canterbury Uniting Church, 303-305 Canterbury Road at 11am this Sunday. Entrance into the church is accessible through Clunes Lane (off Wonga Street).

Pictured above: Rev Tui Waqanibaravi, Rev Viniana Rokomasi Ravetali, Rev Pita Qasevakatini, President Rev Charissa Suli and Rev Tevita Lidi.

FRONTIER SERVICES

Three days in Cowell with Outback Links

A small group of Outback Links volunteers arrived in Cowell, South Australia, and left having built a carport, laid paving, and connected a new rainwater system. Just as important was the time they made to sit and listen to the people they’d come to help.

Outback Links is Frontier Services’ volunteer program, connecting willing hands with rural and remote communities. From the first night under the trees to the final thank-yous, this is a trip shaped by small moments and shared meals that made a real difference.

Read the full story here.

JUSTICE

Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula

The World Council of Churches is inviting churches across the world to join the 2026 Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Glion meeting, this year’s prayer calls on us to pray for an end to war and the establishment of a peace treaty, for mutual respect between the two Koreas, and for a future of peaceful coexistence. It also remembers all those suffering from war and violence in Palestine, Ukraine, Myanmar and many other parts of the world, affirming that peace on the Korean Peninsula is inseparable from the pursuit of just peace for all creation.

ADVOCACY

Voice your support for Gambling Reform

The Federal Government’s Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2026 is currently before a Senate inquiry, with the main debate being whether the proposed reforms go far enough to deliver the recommendations of the Murphy Report.

More than ever, community voices are crucial in pushing for stronger protections that reflect the recommendations of the Murphy Report and better protect Australians from gambling harm.

The Wesley Mission in partnership with the Alliance on Gambling Reform have made a submission to the inquiry, recommending the adoption of the Report’s 31 recommendations and introducing a duty of care on gambling organisations.

Concerned church members can join the voices campaigning for gambling reform through the Alliance’s website.

The century-old kindergarten hall of Orange Uniting Church has been given new life, providing practical help and hope to young people experiencing homelessness.
Visionaries, the Christian visual arts network founded at Merthyr Road Uniting in 1998, has opened its 2026 exhibition at ACU Banyo. The exhibition runs until 4 September.
The World Council of Churches has condemned the seizure of St Peter’s Evangelical Church and Synod Secretariat in Tehran, urging Iranian authorities to restore the property and safeguard the rights of the country’s Christian minority.
Young ecumenical leaders have been challenged to embody hope, unity and courageous leadership as the Christian Conference of Asia's Asian Ecumenical Institute 2026 concluded its month-long program last Friday.

Join us in prayer for...

God to grant wisdom, discernment and unity as our Church reflects on the proposed Constitutional changes.
Our Almighty Creator, in this upcoming Season of Creation, to renew the hearts of his followers to cherish and protect his creation. May his church to faithfully serve as stewards of the earth with hope, wisdom and love.
Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.