December 19, 2025
#UCADayofMourning
Sunday 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.
United by shared faith, witness and a vision for God’s justice and healing, we journey together as First and Second Peoples. Along this path of reconciliation, we share in solidarity, joy and sorrow.
For the last six years, the Uniting Church has observed a Day of Mourning on the Sunday prior to 26 January. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the dispossession and continuing injustices experienced by Australia’s First Peoples, to acknowledge our shared history, and to renew our commitment to justice and healing. The Church has consistently acknowledged this history through the Preamble to its Constitution, its Covenanting Statements, and throughout its ongoing covenanting journey.
The 2026 Day of Mourning liturgy and resource is now available.
We are pleased to share that the 2026 Day of Mourning liturgy and resource has been developed by Muth arrak, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in Queensland. The Assembly expresses its deep gratitude to Kym Korbe, Executive Officer UAICC and Covenanting in the Synod of Queensland, Aunty Rev Roberta Stanley, Rev Brian Hoole, and the committee for their dedication to this work.
We invite your community to gather in worship on this day, as we pray that truth, justice, healing and hope will continue to shape our shared life as First and Second Peoples and the Covenant we hold together.
Download the resource
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Day of Mourning Official Artworks
These beautiful images are by Guwa Koa and Kuku Yalanji woman Zoe Belle
and are the official artworks for the 2026 Day of Mourning.
Zoe writes: "These artworks depict the story of Christ’s presence being amongst First Peoples of these lands of his creation for generations. His teachings have long been known within the stories, songs, dances and ceremony First Peoples have used to connect with God as great Creator and teacher for our communities."
Read more of the artist's statement in the 2026 resource.
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