Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions
The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs for two new Uniting Church National Commissions
May 29, 2025
The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs to lead two new National Commissions.
Established by the 17th Assembly out of a suite of proposals from the Act2 Project, these Commissions are key to the Church’s vision for renewal and for faithful life and discipleship in contemporary Australia.
Rev David Fotheringham has been appointed Chair of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration. This Commission is tasked with progressing the vision of a network of deeply connected councils that respond to God’s call through healthy oversight of ministry and mission, celebrating the Church's diverse and shared identity, and being faithful stewards of its common life and wealth.
The Commission will work collaboratively with all councils, agencies, and institutions of the Church to prioritise sharing resources for the benefit of the whole Church. It will also explore governance models and bring proposals for implementation to the 18th Assembly.
Rev Dr Cathie Lambert has been appointed Chair of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership. This Commission is charged with leading the implementation of the vision for a National Network for Theology, Formation and Leadership. The vision encompasses a visible and accessible network of intentional communities engaged in lifelong learning to equip people to courageously follow Jesus and participate in God’s mission in contemporary Australia.
The Commission will have the authority to work with Ministerial Education Boards to govern and oversee the Uniting Church’s provision of theological education, discipleship, leadership training, and ministry formation.
These appointments mark a significant step forward in the Church’s journey of renewal and commitment to its calling. On behalf of the whole Uniting Church, the Assembly looks forward to the contributions of Rev Fotheringham and Rev Dr Lambert as they lead these Commissions in shaping the future of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Click through below to discover more about them and what their hopes are for the work of the Commissions.
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 news from the Assembly
Refugee Week 2026: A million stories, one shared humanity
From 14–20 June, churches, community groups and organisations across Australia will mark Refugee Week 2026, an opportunity to celebrate the courage, resilience and contributions of people who have sought safety and a new beginning in this country. This year’s theme, “A Million Stories”, marks a significant milestone: since…
Equitable energy upgrades: caring for people, caring for creation
Equitable energy upgrades:caring for people, caring for creation An environmental initiative, led by Armidale Uniting Church, is helping vulnerable households access the benefits of the clean energy transition, combining practical support, energy justice and community care By Trevor Brown and Rev Simon Hansford, Armidale Uniting Church In Armidale, on Anaiwan Country on the Northern…
Church members recognised in King's Birthday 2026 honours
King’s Birthday Honours 2026 The UCA congratulates those members of our Church who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the communityThe Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates all members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List. From insightful authors and compassionate community carers to enlightening…
Faithful advocacy at the heart of first Climate Action Roundtable
Faithful advocacy at the Heart of Climate Action Roundtable The Uniting Church’s first Climate Action Roundtable of the year encouraged participants to engage in climate justice through informed, practical and collective actionSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered…
Walking Together in Faith and Hope: UCA renews Tuvalu Partnership
Walking Together in Faith and Hope The Uniting Church in Australia has renewed its partnership with the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) this week, reaffirming a shared commitment to faith, solidarity and climate justice as Tuvalu faces an increasingly uncertain future.As rising seas continue to threaten the future of Tuvalu, the Uniting Church in Australia has…
Tending the Soul
Tending the SoulQueensland Ministry Agents Retreat with President Rev. Charissa SuliBy President Rev Charissa SuliThis week, ministry agents from across Queensland gathered at the Queensland Synod All Presbyteries Ministry Agents Retreat on the Sunshine Coast with President Rev. Charissa Suli. Leaders came together carrying the realities of ministry across diverse communities, held together by a shared call to serve and…
Uniting Church welcomes launch of TECS
Uniting Church welcomes launch of TECS By Paul WallbankThe Uniting Church in Australia participated in this week’s launch of SSI’s new Train, Engage, Connect and Support e-learning resource, to aid faith and community leaders in building confidence to recognising and responding to cases of family, domestic and sexual violence. Launched on Tuesday, 19 May by the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Tanya Plibersek, at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir Centre in Sydney’s Rosehill, the free online training program aims to equip leaders with the…
Gathered for the Generations
Gathered for the Generations Subscribe 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.By Rev. Sandy BrodineVicTas Younger Generation Education and Strategy CoordinatorLast week, children, families, youth, and young adult workers from across the Uniting Church came together in…