| | Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli is in Tuvalu this week, joining women leaders from across the Pacific for a regional gathering exploring the connections between faith, gender and climate justice. Hosted by the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu in Funafuti, the Tuākoi Lei – Faith, Gender and Climate Regional Convening has brought together women from Pacific churches to share stories, reflect theologically and consider how the Church can respond to the realities facing communities on the frontline of the climate crisis. For Tuvalu and other Pacific nations, climate change is already affecting water security, food supplies, coastlines and the future security of communities. Women are playing a vital role in responding to these challenges, while also advocating for greater representation in decision-making. The gathering is grounding conversations about climate justice in the lived experiences of Pacific communities and exploring what it means to be a good and loving neighbour. Read how President Suli and Pacific women are bringing faith, justice and care for creation together. |
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| | | | | The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met online last month to progress important work across the Uniting Church, including strengthening collaboration between Synods and theological education providers. As part of it’s ongoing work, the Commission is also preparing consultations on a potential Single Higher Education Provider and exploring theological culture across the Church.
Read more on the Act2 Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadship’s update here. |
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| | | | Climate change is reshaping communities across the Pacific, with churches witnessing its impacts first hand. A recent gathering brought together leaders from across the Uniting Church, UnitingWorld and Papua New Guinea to not only share experiences, but explore the role of the Church in climate action and consider how local voices can shape national and global responses. The gathering provided an opportunity for PNG church leaders to share how climate change is already affecting communities across the country, as well as the practical ways churches are responding. Friday’s meeting was a reminder that churches have both a responsibility and an opportunity to care for creation – and that by working together across communities, countries and denominations, we can help build a more just, resilient and sustainable future. Discover more on the gathering here. |
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| | | | Translated versions of several key foundational and governance documents are now available, helping more people participate fully in the life, leadership and decision-making of the Church. The translated resources include the Basis of Union, Manual for Meetings, Statement to the Nation and Church Council Responsibilities Guide. Translations are available in Arabic, Armenian, Dinka, Fijian, Filipino, Indonesian, Korean, Nuer, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swahili, Tongan, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese, reflecting the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of the Uniting Church. These documents play an important role in shaping the Uniting Church’s faith, governance and mission. The Basis of Union is the Church’s foundational document, while the Manual for Meetings guides discernment and decision-making across councils of the Church. The Statement to the Nation expresses the Church’s commitment to justice, reconciliation and public witness. The translated documents are available on uHub. They can also be accessed through the Intercultural Church Hub or the Founding and Governance Documents Hub on the front page of the Uniting Church Australia website, making these important resources more accessible to culturally diverse communities across the Church. |
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| | | | Frontier Services joined rural and remote leaders, politicians, and community and industry representatives at the 2026 National Bush Summit in Dubbo. National Director Dave Parker, Volunteer Coordinator Therese Clancy and Bush Chaplain Noel Williams listened to community experiences and contributed to conversations about the future of the bush. Frontier Services continues to stand alongside rural communities, advocating for greater support and meaningful change. |
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| | | | The Northern Synod has announced Rev Dr Andrew Williams as Moderator of the 48th Synod, starting on 4 October. Andrew holds a deep affection for the Northern Synod, having served in ministry placements in the region previously. He also brings extensive executive experience into his new role following tenures as General Secretary of both the Synod of NSW and ACT and the Synod of Western Australia. His wider ministry experience includes positions at the World Council of Churches and Council for World Mission. While Andrew will continue to live in Perth, he will travel regularly to Darwin to chair the Synod Standing Committee, attend meetings and provide pastoral care. He will also travel to other parts of the Northern Synod and represent the Synod in the life of the wider Uniting Church. |
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| | | | Generation Alpha is coming of age – and the Church has an opportunity to listen, learn and imagine a future shaped with them, not simply for them. As the oldest Gen Alpha members turn 16, what might the next 16 years look like for the Church? Aditee Vora, Editor of the NSW and ACT Synod’s Insights magazine, explores the questions, challenges and possibilities of welcoming a generation raised in a rapidly-changing world into the life and leadership of the Church. |
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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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| | | | 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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| | | The Uniting Climate Action Network (UCAN) Month of Action coincides with the current worldwide Season of Creation. Across Sundays in September, congregations can join a coordinated national campaign through prayer, public witness and engagement with political decision makers. Developed by the NSW and ACT Synod UCAN team, the resources are designed for use and adaptation by congregations nationwide. Churches are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals with convincing scams. The Synod of Victoria and Tasmania’s IT Services team offers practical advice to help protect your church, money and information. Seven clergy members have been charged with unlawful trespass while protesting at an ICE office in Vermont, USA. UK-based Children’s Minister Kirstyn Oliver is breaking down barriers in church, bringing the Bible to life through hands-on sensory play. Through Alma Autism, she promotes greater understanding, acceptance and inclusion of autistic people in churches and communities. Kirstyn recently featured on BBC’s Songs of Praise and the Thriving podcast series. ICYMI: As rescue and retrieval efforts continue across devastated communities in Nepal, UnitingWorld is supporting United Mission to Nepal to provide essential food and relief supplies to affected families. Please consider what you can give.
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| | Join us in prayer for... Pacific women leaders – that their voices, wisdom and faith will strengthen the Church’s response to climate and gender justice. Frontier Services’ bush chaplains and volunteers as they support people and communities across remote Australia, offering practical help, connection and the hope of Jesus. the appointment of Rev Dr Andrew Williams as the new Moderator of the Northern Synod. We give thanks to God for Andrew’s appointment and pray that God will grant him wisdom, strength and guidance as he begins this new ministry. Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Benin as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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| | | September
1 Season of Creation (until 4 Oct)
October
1-4 Fijian National Conference
4 Older Persons Sunday
22 Anniversary of National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
30 Filipino National Conference (until 1 Nov)
November
1 All Saints Day
22 Reign of Christ Sunday
25 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (until 10 Dec)
Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar. |
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