December 6, 2023
UAICC National Leadership announcement
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) has elected Rev Mark Kickett as its National Chair.
Rev Kickett has led Congress as the Interim Chair for the past three years and prior to this was serving with UAICC in South Australia. Rev Kickett said he was looking forward to the journey ahead for Congress and the UCA.
“I am looking forward to consolidating a new journey for the whole of Congress."
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“I am looking forward to consolidating a new journey for the whole of Congress and to strengthening our ongoing relationship and commitment as part of who we are in the Uniting Church," said Rev Kickett.
“Thank you to all those who have been great supporters of me and of Congress in the places we work and serve across the country.”
Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis welcomed the news of Rev Kickett’s appointment.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Mark in the ways we seek to live out our covenanting relationship with Congress, particularly in its aspirations for self-determination and how we continue to stand with Congress in advocating for truth-telling, reconciliation and healing.”
As Interim Chair, Rev Kickett played a significant role in fostering relationships and providing pastoral support for regional councils of Congress. This year he provided leadership from Congress to the whole Church in its engagement in the Voice referendum.
Rev Kickett has also worked closely with the Church in its advocacy and response to the Black Lives Matter movement, racism and Aboriginal deaths in custody. In 2021, Rev Kickett was formally admitted as a minister in the Uniting Church. Earlier this year, he led the first national gathering of Congress after many years due to Covid, bringing together members from different parts of the country. Mark says it was “a reminder of the journey we have together as one Congress family.”
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