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
Celebrating INS 2026
Many cultures, one body: celebrating Intercultural Neighbouring SundayLast month, congregations and communities across the Uniting Church gathered to celebrate Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday (INS) – a day to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and languages that make up the body of Christ and explore what it means to live our faith interculturally. Emerging from a…
President's reflection: How can we love our neighbours well?
President’s Reflection: Threads of Love in Hobart and beyond God’s mission has always been shared. At Hobart North Uniting, President Rev Charissa Suli witnessed how different gifts and callings can weave together to love our neighbours well. During a recent visit to Hobart North Uniting Church, President Rev Charissa Suli was encouraged by a congregation asking…
Expression of Interest: Member, AFARC
A Committee of the Uniting Church in Australia National Assembly Initial three-year term The Assembly Finance Audit and Risk Committee (AFARC) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people who are interested in contributing their expertise to the governance of the National Assembly. The National Assembly includes the Assembly…
Presbytery leaders gathers in Hobart
Presbytery leaders gather in Hobart 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. more than The Uniting Church’s National Presbytery Ministers Gathering 2026 brought more than 35 leaders from every state and territory…
Korean Conference gathers
Korean National Conference 2026 The Korean National Conference recently gathered for a time of worship, fellowship and discernment, celebrating the vibrant contribution of our Korean members.By Rev Dr Kevin Kim, Minister, Trinity UCA Brighton and Chairperson, Korean National ConferenceThe 2026 Korean National Conference took place from 20–22 July in Belgrave, Victoria, and brought together nearly…
Satara’s story: listening for justice
Satara’s story: listening for justice Meet Satara Uthayakumaran, whose lifelong faith journey in the Uniting Church has shaped her commitment to justice, service and amplifying young people’s voicesFor Satara Uthayakumaran, advocacy has never been about having the loudest voice in the room. It has always begun with listening. At just 24, the lifelong member of…
Meet Hannah Jackson
The National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia is delighted to welcome Hannah Jackson as Director, Advocacy & Justice. Hannah brings to the role almost two decades of experience across advocacy, public policy, communications and government affairs, alongside a lifelong commitment to the Uniting Church. Throughout her career she has sought to build coalitions,…
Becoming an Anti-racist Church: Building Thriving Communities Through Truth Telling
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. Becoming an Anti-racist Church: Building Thriving Communities Through Truth Telling The Assembly Standing Committee meeting in Sydney held in Sydney last weekend placed the…