New Circle Advocates
Assembly welcomes two new Advocates for the Circles of Interest
February 15, 2023
Two of the Assembly Circles of Interest have new Advocates stepping into this leadership role.
Rev Jon Humphries has taken up the role of Advocate for the Transforming Worship Circle, while Rev Alex Sangster, the previous Advocate for Transforming Worship, is stepping in as Advocate role for Working for Justice.
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles."
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.
The Assembly Circles provide a platform for learning and sharing in the national work of the church. An Advocate has been appointed to each circle to nurture and encourage activity, conversation and input from circle members.
Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen welcomed the interim appointments which will be in place until the next triennial Assembly in 2024.
“We are delighted that both Jon as a new Advocate and current panel member and Alex as an Advocate from another circle have taken up this call to offer their gifts, their passion and their creativity to support these Circles in contributing to the national life of the Church.”
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles.”
“Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world."
At the same time, the Assembly gives thanks for the contribution of Rev Loni Vaitohi who has been the Advocate of Working for Justice for the past five years.
“We are extremely grateful for Loni’s leadership as the Advocate for the Working for Justice Circle since it began,” said Lindsay. “Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world, especially on climate action and justice for seasonal workers.”
The Advocates came together in Sydney last week with the Assembly Resourcing Unit for the opportunity to plan, collaborate and share inspiration for the work of the Circles in 2023.
The seven Circles and Advocates are:
Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama (Being a Multicultural Church), Rev Dr Matt Wilson (Seeking Common Ground), Rev Jon Humphries (Transforming Worship), Virginia Lavaki (Discipling the Next Generations), Alison Overeem (Walking Together as First and Second Peoples), Rev Alex Sangster (Working for Justice) and Rev Liam Miller (Growing in Faith).
Related news
UCA President urges political leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire
Middle East conflict: UCA President urges Political Leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, has written to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Australian Greens and other Australian political party leaders, urging multi-partisan support for the Australian Government to…
President issues statement on Middle East conflict
Middle East conflict: Uniting Church President urges peace and protection of human life STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA REV CHARISSA SULI A CALL FOR PEACE AND THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN LIFE As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, I speak with deep concern as violence escalates across the Middle…
Rev Mark Kickett steps down as UAICC Chair
Rev Mark Kickett steps down as UAICC Chairperson After a long affiliation with the UAICC, Rev Mark Kickett farewelled Congress earlier this monthRev Mark Kickett has stepped down as National Chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), concluding his service on 1 March. Rev Kickett served in the role since December 2023,…
Uniting and Lutheran Churches hold first Dialogue meeting of 2026
Uniting and Lutheran Churches meet for DialogueSubscribe 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.Statement following LCA-UCA Dialogue meeting on Wednesday 11 February 2026 The Uniting Church, as a part of its commitment to the unity of the…
Letter of Closure from Uniting Network executive
Letter of Closure from Uniting Network executive Handing over the baton for LGBTIQA+ representation in the Uniting Church in Australia After 31 years of operation the Executive of the Uniting Network Australia has decided to close the organisation as of 31 December 2025. UNA is the last remaining LGBTIQA+ specific support and education in the…
Update on Assembly's new Pride Circle
Update on Assembly’s new Pride Circle The Assembly’s Pride Circle has been launched, bringing LGBTIQA+ members and allies together to help the Uniting Church live out its mission of love and inclusion Responding to both the UCA’s commitment to being a loving, safe and inclusive Church, and the long history of struggle…
Day of Mourning 2026
#UCADayofMourningSunday 25 January Since 1994, the Uniting Church has been in Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). Entered into with honesty about our past and hope for the future, this Covenant commits us to working together for a just Church and a just nation.…
WCC Beijing 30+ Consultation held in Indonesia
WCC Beijing 30+ Consultation held in Indonesia The World Council of Churches’ Beijing 30+ Consultation marked 30 years since the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action The World Council of Churches (WCC) concluded its Beijing 30+ Consultation on Sunday after three days of intensive dialogue, theological reflection and advocacy on gender justice. Held in Jakarta,…