Change to Code of Ethics for Uniting Church Ministers

The Assembly Standing Committee has approved a revised Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice, strengthening support for healthy, faithful and accountable ministry across the Uniting Church. The revised Code is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.

Updated after extensive consultation across the Church, including conversations with Presbyteries, Synods, multicultural ministry leaders, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), Safe Church and discipline practitioners, and people with experience implementing the Code.

Forty submissions informed the review and helped shape the updated document.

“The Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice is an important expression of the trust the Church places in those called to ministry, and of the responsibility that comes with that trust,” said Uniting Church in Australia, General Secretary, Andrew Johnson.

“This revision preserves the strong foundations of the Code while ensuring it speaks clearly in the changing contexts, relationships and challenges in which ministry is exercised today.”

Grounded in the Uniting Church's commitment to integrity, accountability, justice and care, the revised Code reflects both continuity and renewal. Consultation revealed strong support for the Code's core expectations while identifying opportunities to improve clarity, accessibility and relevance for ministry today.

A key change recognises ministry takes place in many settings. Alongside congregational ministry, ministry agents serve in schools, chaplaincy, aged care, community services, educational institutions, and Synod and Presbytery roles. The revised Code acknowledges these diverse contexts and offers guidance to supports ministry wherever it is exercised.

The revised Code also gives greater emphasis to the Church's commitments under the Covenant with the UAICC and its vision of being an intercultural Church.

Feedback highlighted the importance of ensuring the Code reflects the diversity of the Uniting Church and supports ministry that is culturally aware, respectful and accountable. This focus encourages us to walk together and honour the wisdom, gifts and experiences of all God's people.

Responding to the realities of contemporary ministry, the updated Code strengthens guidance on technology, social media and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence. It also expands expectations around Safe Church practices, cultural safety, professional boundaries and psychosocial wellbeing.

These changes acknowledge the complex ethical, legal and relational challenges ministry leaders navigate both online and in person.

Written in plainer English, the Code features a clearer structure, practical headings along with a glossary of terms and a definition section to help ministry agents quickly find and apply guidance.

The revised format improves accessibility and supports future translation into other languages.

Ministry agents will have opportunities to engage with the revised Code through ongoing learning as the Church prepares for its introduction in 2027

Together these changes seek to strengthen a culture of trust, safety, accountability and grace across the Uniting Church.

“At its heart, the Code is about the kind of community we are called to be – one shaped by the way of Jesus Christ, where people are treated with dignity, relationships are characterised by integrity and care, and those who exercise ministry are accountable for the trust placed in them,” concluded Mr Johnson.

“I hope the revised Code will be a practical resource that helps our ministry agents exercise their calling faithfully, safely and with confidence.”

The revised Code of Conduct can be accessed on the Uniting Church in Australia UHub, along with an annotated version describing the changes from the current code.