17th Assembly meeting opens
Gathering welcomed to Burramattagal lands as Rev Sharon Hollis chairs her final business session as President
July 11, 2024
The 17th Assembly has officially begun with a Spirit-filled opening day, kicking off this afternoon on Burramattagal land with joyful reunions, Welcome to Country, the Assembly’s first business session and opening worship which centred the gathering in Christ’s love.
More than 200 members of the Uniting Church in Australia have gathered from across the country, converging on the Novotel in Parramatta for the beginning of a five-day meeting.
Chairing her final business session as President, Rev Sharon Hollis led Assembly members in a time of worship and prayer.
Chaplain to the retiring President Rev Reuben Edmonds read 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 – the same reading that was used three years ago as the Assembly embraced the 16th Assembly theme, Dwelling in Love – before Rev Hollis closed with a blessing.
“May Blessed Trinity be with us all: may the Source of all be upholding you, may radiant Christ be infusing you, may Spirit Holy be encircling you, every step that you take in this stormy world. In the name of Christ. Amen.”
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.
Shane Laws from Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury INC gave a Welcome to Country.
“Spare a thought for the traditional custodians of the waters, lands and skies wherever you may travel across this beautiful country of ours, and especially where we meet today, Burramattagal country.”
“So warami mittigar: welcome friends to Dharug lands.”
Members took part in a smoking ceremony before returning to business, with an orientation to meeting procedures and a number of procedural proposals.
These proposals included joyfully confirming by ballot and acclamation the election of Rev Charissa Suli as the 17th President of the Uniting Church in Australia, ahead of her installation this evening.
Members then travelled to St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney’s CBD for the Assembly’s opening worship and the installation of the President which took place during a service filled with joy, music and proclamation of the gospel. Read our story and see all the photos here.
The Assembly will meet for the next five days and you can follow all the news on the 17th Assembly website, sign up to the daily email and follow us on Facebook.
Read more 17th Assembly news
UnitingCare Australia advocacy makes an impact
UnitingCare Australia advocacy makes an impactSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.UnitingCare Australia, a key agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today of an additional $11.7 million investment in emergency relief and financial…
Faithful keeper of memory
Faithful keeper of memory Christine Gordon celebrates 25 years preserving the Uniting Church’s story, faithfully safeguarding its history and memory for future generationsThis Friday marks a remarkable milestone for Christine Gordon, who celebrates 25 years as Archivist for the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly, a role she has embraced with passion and unwavering commitment. “I…
Encountering the Living God as we journey toward Easter
Encountering the Living God as we journey toward Easter Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson reflects on encountering the Living God – and invites the Church to seek and trust that presence anew this Easter by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary On Monday evening in Holy Week, I sat in a Eucharistic service followed by the…
UCA Leaders gather for key week of discernment
Key week of discernment in shaping the Church’s future Last week, Leaders across the Uniting Church gathered for a pivotal time of meetings, shaping shared vision, national priorities and future direction Leaders from across the Uniting Church in Australia gathered in Sydney last week for a significant series of meetings, marking an important time…
Journey to Net Zero: 2026 Roundtables
Be part of the Uniting Church’s Climate Action Roundtables The church community is invited to join this year’s series of Roundtables equipping communities for faithful, practical climate action 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…
Honouring shared mission
Honouring shared mission Earlier this month, the Korean World Mission Fellowship (KWMF) held a ceremony to recognise descendants of Australian missionaries who lived martyr-like lives for the evangelisation of Korea Representatives of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA), including Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen and Rev Seung Jae Yeon of the Korean…
New UnitingCare Australia National Director officially commissioned
Tamara Thomas officially commissioned as National Director, UnitingCare Australia Before leaders and members of the Uniting Church and UnitingCare, Tamara Thomas has been formally welcomed into her new role as National Director of the Church’s social justice and advocacy agency Tamara Thomas has been officially commissioned as the new National Director of UnitingCare Australia.…
Bible Study resource celebrates 50 years
With Love to the World celebrates 50 years The distinctive Australian daily Bible study resource of the Uniting Church reached a golden milestone last week. John Squires reflects on its story and significance. By Rev Dr John Squires, With Love to the World Editor The Uniting Church has a number of distinctive gifts to…