Review of UCA Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice begins
This major review - the first in 16 years - provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the ethical foundations and ministry practices that support the life of the Uniting Church
September 17, 2025
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 is pleased to announce that a comprehensive review of the Uniting Church in Australia’s Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice is now underway – the first major review since 2009.
Rev Jenny Byrnes has been appointed as Consultant to lead the review. With 42 years of vocational experience in the Uniting Church, her theological depth, leadership experience and practical insight will be invaluable throughout the process.
In this role, Jenny reports to the Assembly’s General Secretary, Andrew Johnson, and is supported by a Reference Group comprising representatives from each Synod and the Standards for Ministries Committee.
“By drawing on diverse voices from across the Church, the Reference Group will help to ensure that the review is both theologically grounded and practically relevant,” Jenny said.
“They will play a crucial advisory role providing theological reflection on the Code’s function within Church life, offering feedback on how it is currently applied, and assessing how it responds to evolving legal, ethical and social expectations.”
Jenny commenced her work with the Assembly earlier this month and has already begun developing an initial survey. The aim is to distribute the ready survey to the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) of every Presbytery by the end of October.
“The survey will be open for between six to eight months to ensure PRCs have sufficient time to provide details on where they see gaps in the current Code of Ethics, where there are difficulties and where it needs strengthening,” Jenny added.
“This process is a vital opportunity to strengthen the ethical foundations and ministry practices that support the life of the Church.”
While the release date for a revised Code has not yet been finalised, the Assembly anticipates it will be published in the second half of 2026. Further updates will be shared as the review progresses.
Rev Jenny Byrnes
More news from the Assembly
UCA-Lutheran Dialogue meets in Melbourne
The Uniting Church-Lutheran Dialogue meets in Melbourne Image: The ordination of Maria Rudolph in April this year, one of the first ordinations of women as pastors conducted by the Lutheran Church in Australia. The recent recognition by the LCA that both women and men may be ordained has given renewed energy to the Dialogue’s…
Time to ban nuclear weapons forever
Teardrops on the marble: time to ban nuclear weapons forever On 3 and 4 November 2025, the Uniting Church joined with ICAN Australia and the Public Health Association of Australia for two days of advocacy meetings with Federal MPs against the backdrop of a rising global nuclear threat On 3 & 4 November 2025,…
This is my Uniting Church: Willoughby and Northbridge
This is my Uniting Church Willoughby and Northbridge Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we shine the spotlight on Willoughby and Northbridge Uniting…
Resources for Advent 2025
Resources for Advent 2025 It’s hard to believe that the beginning of Advent is just two and a half weeks away! On Sunday 30 November we will turn from Ordinary Time to this precious season of preparation and anticipation which readies us for the good news of Jesus’ arrival into our world. There are…
An update from the Governance, Resourcing and Administration Commission
An update from the National Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration In this new video, Chair of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration Rev David Fotheringham gives an update on the work of the Commission which is now underway. Drawing on decades of ministry across rural, suburban and synod settings, David speaks about…
Samoan National Conference
Samoan National Conference a gathering of hospitality, fellowship, prayer and laughter Assembly National Consultant joined for day 1 of the conference and reflects on the gifts of our intercultural church by Rev Kath Behan, Assembly National Consultant It was a delight to attend Day 1 of the Samoan National Conference in Melbourne recently, on…
President-elect reflects on WCRC General Council
To stay is to love: mission as God’s wounded love Following the World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council two weeks ago, and inspired by the reflections of Rev Dr Allan Boesak, Uniting Church President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh reflects on love, perseverance and solidaritywritten by Rev. Dr Paul Goh, President-elect, Uniting Church in Australia…
General Secretary reflects on WCRC General Council
Reflection from the General Secretary on the WCRC General Council General Secretary Andrew Johnson reflects on the World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council, which closed two weeks ago after 10 days in Chiang Maiwritten by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary The World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council is a once in seven year…