Meet Rev Dr Cathie Lambert
An introduction to the new Chair of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership
May 29, 2025
Cathie Lambert has been a member of the Uniting Church since emigrating to Australia with her family in 1981. She has grown up in the Church taking on various roles throughout her youth and young adulthood. Cathie, a Minister of the Word, completed placements as a school chaplain and minister with two rural congregations before taking a leave of absence to complete her PhD.
Cathie is currently the Formation and Learning Culture Coordinator for the Uniting Centre for Education and Formation for the Presbytery of Western Australia. This role involves overseeing Phase 2 formation, Phase 3 ministry support, education for Admission of Ministers and Pastor roles, as well as promoting a life-long learning culture throughout the Uniting Church in Western Australia. Part of Cathie’s role has been to collaborate widely with other Synods and Theological Colleges. This has given her a breadth of understanding of the joys and challenges in theological education and formation throughout the Uniting Church.
Cathie completed her doctorate in practical theology in 2022 and has been involved in teaching theology at a tertiary level in various colleges since. She also works for as the Program Director for the Dayspring Community training spiritual directors. She brings to this role her love of education and formation and a creative approach to working together as a team. Cathie has been a member of the Standards for Ministry Committee for the last two years.
Cathie was very keen to be involved in the work of the Commission for Theological Education, Formation and Leadership and initially did not want to be considered for the role of Chair. After much consideration and conversation, she was willing to trust the discernment of the Interim team in being put forward for the role. Cathie believes that her experience in Western Australia and already developing relationships with other Synods and Colleges will bring a different perspective to the task. She also hopes that her contemplative and creative approach will allow the members of the Commission to deeply listen to one another and collaborate well.
Cathie hopes that the Commission will be able to step aside from the agendas of their various contexts to take a broad view of the needs of the Uniting Church moving forward. To work together and develop processes that are equitable, use our resources wisely and look towards the needs of the future Church will require creativity and openness. Cathie hopes the members of the Commission and those who are consulted will approach this task with prayerful and open hearts allowing space for God to surprise us with new possibilities.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Read more Assembly news
President’s Season of Creation message
Today, 1 September, marks the beginning of the 2026 Season of Creation, as Christians around the world gather in prayer, reflection and action to celebrate God’s gift of creation and renew their commitment to care for our common home. To mark the beginning of the season, Uniting…
President's reflection: Arise and shine!
President’s reflection: Arise and shine! Last week, President Rev Charissa Suli attended a global gathering of Methodist and Uniting Church women. She carried home stories, wisdom and a renewed call for the Church to shine. The 15th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) brought together Methodist and Uniting Church…
President's Pastoral Prayer for Nepal
President’s Pastoral Prayer for the People of Nepal As we hear of the devastating floods in Nepal, we pause in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected. In the face of lives lost, families separated and communities facing profound uncertainty, we turn to God in prayer. We pray for those who grieve, those still…
Farewell to Rev Lindsay Cullen
The Assembly farewells Rev Lindsay Cullen After almost nine years of faithful presence, imagination and service, Rev Lindsay Cullen is stepping down from the role of Assembly Associate General SecretaryThe Uniting Church community gathered at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney last Thursday to give thanks for the ministry of Rev Lindsay Cullen and formally…
UCA delegation active at WMC meeting
UCA delegation active at global Methodist gathering in El SalvadorA Uniting Church in Australia delegation has joined Methodists and Wesleyans from around the world in El Salvador, for the World Methodist Council gathering, held from 13–17 August. Gathering under the theme “The Kingdom of God is Justice, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans…
Associate General Secretaries gather
UCA Associate General Secretaries gather Associate General Secretaries from across the Uniting Church gathered last week at Campfire in the Heart, Alice Springs, on the traditional lands of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Custodians of Mparntwe. The gathering brought together Linda Hanson (Synod of Queensland), Sue Page and Andrew Robertson (South Australia), Sharon Hollis…
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided World
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided WorldThe Uniting Church President, Rev Charissa Suli, recently visited Eastwood Uniting Church in Sydney’s north west, where she preached and shared Holy Communion as the congregation celebrated its 2026 theme, TOGETHER. The theme reflects the congregation’s rich intercultural life, bringing together English, Korean and Chinese-speaking worshippers, alongside people…
When fuel prices rise, who picks up the pieces?
When fuel prices rise, who picks up the pieces? As fuel prices rise again, financial pressure is reaching more Australian households. Tamara Thomas explores the growing demand for support and why stronger safety nets are urgently neededThis article was first published by The Point. It is republished with permission. By Tamara Thomas, National Director of…