10 November 2026

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Featured story

Prayer and Pacific leadership for climate justice

As global leaders gather in Türkiye for COP31, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli is bringing a message of prayer, solidarity and climate justice, standing alongside Pacific communities whose lives and futures are increasingly shaped by the climate crisis.

Her participation follows a series of engagements across the Pacific, including a regional gathering of Pacific women leaders in Tuvalu and an ecumenical service in Fiji ahead of the climate negotiations.

At the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP31, Rev Suli has led morning devotions and offered a blessing for the conversations and decisions taking place, calling for the voices and leadership of Pacific peoples to be heard and respected.

For the Uniting Church, this engagement is about more than international advocacy. It is an expression of the Church’s commitment to stand with Pacific neighbours, listen to First Peoples’ perspectives, and live out its Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.

President and NSW & ACT Moderator’s COP31 video update

On Sunday 15 November, we are inviting congregations to play a video message from Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli and NSW & ACT Synod Moderator Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau recorded at COP31 in Türkiye. They will share what our delegates have heard and learned, the work they have undertaken at COP31, and how we can continue taking action together.

If you would like a copy of the message to be played in your service, please email the advocacy team using the link below.

JUSTICE

Your invitation to daily prayer and meditation during COP31

Throughout COP31, Religions for Peace Australia is holding multifaith prayers and meditations sessions. Gathering online at 12pm AEDT each day, participants will offer prayers and reflections for a positive outcome at the UN Climate Conference.

Click here for more information.

ACT2

New Chairperson appointed as CTFL prepares for discernment on theological education

The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership (CFTL) has appointed Rev Dr Peter Hobson as its new Chairperson. His appointment comes as the Commission met on 29 October to discuss key work relating to ministry and theological education, ahead of the first of a two-part discernment regarding a common higher education provider.

CHAPLAINCY

Strengthening faith and fellowship among our Defence Force chaplains

Uniting Church Defence Force Chaplains gathered in Sydney last week for their annual spiritual retreat. Guided by the theme ‘Finding Refuge and Strength in the Chaos of Life’, the gathering included reflections from President Rev Charissa Suli and opportunities to explore the importance of rest, prayer and fellowship in the demanding context of Defence ministry.

AROUND THE CHURCH

Meet South Australia’s Moderator-elect

In June, Professor Ian Olver was elected as the next Moderator of the Uniting Church in South Australia. He will take up the role in mid-2028.

He recently spoke with New Times Editor Clive Conway about his journey of faith, how his work as an oncologist has shaped his compassion, and what gives him hope for the future of the Church.

RESOURCES

New book released on pioneer Wesleyan missionary

A new book exploring the life and legacy of the first Wesleyan missionary to Tonga has been released, bringing fresh insight into an important chapter of the Uniting Church’s shared Methodist heritage and its enduring relationships with the Pacific.

Walter Lawry: The First Wesleyan Missionary to Tonga, written by Rev Dr Clive Pearson, was officially launched by Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli at Leigh Memorial Church Parramatta last week.

FRONTIER SERVICES

Bringing music to a small country school

At a small primary school near Esperance, Fridays bring a welcome visitor. Frontier Services Bush Chaplain Lindsay Ginn arrives with his guitar, keyboard or ukulele, giving students the chance to explore music and make it together. His regular visits are a reminder of the value of connection and the opportunities that can grow when someone is willing to show up.

Read the full story here.

UNITINGWORLD

Give a gift that offers a brighter future

“Love, joy and generosity that overflows to everyone around us.”

According to research by the Australia Institute, almost half of Australians would rather skip Christmas presents, yet we long to give and share what we have in real ways.

UnitingWorld’s new video suggests a better way: generous, meaningful gifts that help people and the planet. Watch it, share it with your congregation, and help spread the word!

Watch and download the video here.

Christian nationalism has emerged globally in recent years, with significant impacts on democratic societies. An expert panel will explore this phenomenon at Gospel Values and the Weaponisation of Christianity, an event being held this Thursday night, 12 November, in Canberra. Register here.
The Synod of NSW and ACT extends an invitation to join in farewelling Rev Dr Robert McFarlane as he enters retirement. His Closure of Ministry Service will be held on Thursday 26 November at the Centre for Ministry in North Parramatta, starting at 3pm. RSVP here.
Williamstown Uniting Church will mark its 150th anniversary with a three-day celebration from 27-29 November.
Missed a recent edition of National Update? Catch up here.

Join us in prayer for...

President Rev Charissa Suli, NSW & ACT Moderator Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau and Uniting colleagues attending COP31. May God give them wisdom, courage and compassion as they offer spiritual support and stand in solidarity with the voices of those most impacted by climate change.
Our Act2 Commissions’ members.
Uniting Church Defence Force Chaplains.
Fiji, Kanaky, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.