New National Commission gathers for first time
The Assembly’s new Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the first time, beginning a vital journey of renewal, connection, and faithful stewardship across the life of the Church
August 21, 2025
by Dr Damian Palmer, Executive Officer of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership
The Uniting Church in Australia's Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the very first time on 11 August 2025 online, marking a significant milestone in the Church's renewal journey following the 17th Assembly.
The meeting included worship and reflection on the journey to this point, embracing the Assembly's mandate to realise the vision:
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.
Members had an opportunity to get to know one another and spent time identifying initial priorities for the work of the Commission. At the top of the list is working with the Standards for Ministries Committee to transition responsibilities from that Committee to the Commission by the end of this year.
Members include Chair Rev Dr Cathie Lambert, Rev Dr Peter Armstrong, Rev Prof Vicky Balabanski, Rev Andrew Broadbent, Rev Dr Seforosa Carroll, Rev Mark Cornford, Rev A/Prof Kylie Crabbe, Dr Scott Downman, Rev Nicole Fleming, Rev Dr Linda Hamill, Rev Dr Peter Hobson, Rev Jennifer Hughes, Elizabeth John, Rev Jason Kioa, Sono Leone, Rev Duncan Macleod, Dr Chris Phillips, Rev Ken Sumner and Rev Dr Peter Walker; with Assembly President Rev. Charissa Suli and Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson as associated non-voting members.
The Commission, under Chair Cathie Lambert’s leadership, humbly asks for people across the Uniting Church to continue praying as they undertake this important work. The next meeting is planned for September, with further updates to be shared in due course.
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.
Read more Assembly news
Church responds to Bondi attack
Church responds to Bondi attack As the Uniting Church, we express our grief and call for solidarity and peaceThe Uniting Church in Australia expresses its deep sorrow following the attack at Bondi Beach, which NSW Police have identified as a terrorist act. The violence occurred while families and children were gathered to celebrate the start…
Bondi tragedy: Pastoral message from President Rev Suli
Bondi tragedy: Pastoral message from President President Rev Charissa Suli offers this pastoral mesage and prayer following the tragic events at Bondi Beach written by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia This morning, we wake with heavy hearts following the tragic events at Bondi. As the Uniting Church in Australia,…
Walking the Path of Peace
Walking the Path of Peace When Emelia Haskey walks into the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok next month, she will carry with her the prayers, hopes and convictions of her Uniting Church community. Emelia has been selected to take part in the Fifth Global Peace Summit, an international gathering of around 400…
President's Christmas Message 2025
This Christmas season, President Rev Charissa Suli offers two messages for our community – because the incarnation meets us wherever we are. A Christmas Message of Light and Action In her main Christmas message, President Rev Charissa reminds us of the profound mystery at the heart of our faith: God chose to draw near, entering…
President's reflection: Threads of love across our outback
President’s Reflection: Threads of Love in Griffith and Across the Outback Rev Charissa Suli recently travelled to the NSW Riverina town of Griffith to see first-hand the launch of a new pilot progam for Frontier Services by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia In late November I travelled to NSW…
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,…
Expressions of Interest: AFARC Committee Member
Expressions of Interest: Assembly Finance, Audit and Risk CommitteeExpression of Interest – Committee MemberAssembly Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (AFARC)Uniting Church in Australia (National Assembly)Initial three-year term AFARC is seeking an experienced governance professional to join the Committee for an initial three-year term. AFARC provides independent oversight of finance, audit and risk for the National…
Update from the Theology, Formation & Leadership Commission
Commission meets in person for first time It was yet another milestone moment for the Commission for Theology, Formation & Leadership written by Rev Dr Cathie Lambert, Chair for the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership On 10–11 November the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the first time in person in…