More than 700 people celebrated four joyful days of worship, learning, fellowship and faith as the 2026 UCA Fijian National Conference drew to a close in Fremantle/Walyalup.
Bringing together Fijian communities from across the Uniting Church, the Conference strengthened relationships, created space to share stories and celebrated the faith, culture and gifts Fijian communities bring to the life of the Church.
Under the theme “Wind of Change and Hope in the Wilderness”, participants reflected on God’s promise in Isaiah 43: “See, I am doing a new thing!” They explored mission, climate change, pathways to ministry, health and wellbeing, migration, pastoral leadership and ways to strengthen Fijian voices across the Uniting Church.
From the opening Welcome to Country and worship to teaching, traditional ceremonies, music, song and dance, participants joyfully shared their culture and faith. Communion, blessing and farewell brought the four-day gathering to a worshipful close.
Re-elected Chair Rev Viniana Rokomasi Ravetali will continue to lead this important national community. Delegates elected their national office bearers on Saturday, while congregations from across the country shared stories of their life, faith and ministry.
Celebrating the next generation
Nurturing and empowering the next generation of Fijian leaders remained a strong focus throughout the Conference.
Young people took part in a dedicated program before presenting their Youth Report to the wider gathering and joining a “What’s Next?” conversation about future events, opportunities and conferences. The Youth Council showcased the growing leadership of young Fijians and the commitment to equip a new generation to serve Christ, the Church and their communities.
Generous giving provided a remarkable boost to that work, with $27,000 raised to support youth activities. Conference participants and supporters contributed to the fundraising, including the Moderators of the WA and Queensland Synods.
President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh joined the gathering and preached at the opening worship, helping set the tone for four days grounded in faith, hope and God’s call to mission. The Queensland Moderator also joined the Conference, adding to the strong national support for the gathering.
A community of welcome
Countless hours of work by organisers, volunteers and supporters made the four-day celebration possible.
Vinaka vakalevu to the many people who generously gave their time, energy and gifts to welcome delegates, support the program and create a joyful space for worship and fellowship.
Special thanks go to the Uniting Church in Western Australia, the Fijian National Conference Executive and the WA FNC Organising Committee for their generous hospitality and tireless work. In welcoming delegates, the WA Synod expressed its hope that people would return home “refreshed, inspired, and strengthened for ministry and mission”.
Throughout the four days, that spirit of service and hospitality offered a powerful expression of what it means to be one body in Christ, celebrating diverse gifts and cultures while walking together in faith.
As delegates return to congregations and communities across Australia, they carry with them renewed faith, strengthened relationships and fresh encouragement for the ministry and mission ahead.
From hope to action for creation
Turning hope into action, the Conference concluded with a powerful call for climate justice.
Together, members of the Fijian National Conference unfurled a huge “Climate Justice Now” banner, standing in solidarity with Pacific churches and communities and calling on Australia to listen to Pacific leadership ahead of COP31.
Christians around the world also marked the conclusion of the Season of Creation on 4 October, connecting the Conference’s call for action with a global ecumenical season of prayer and action for our common home. The 2026 theme, “Living Water”, draws on Ezekiel 47 and its vision of life-giving waters bringing healing and renewal.
Facing rising seas, coastal erosion, threats to food and water security, damaged livelihoods and displacement, Pacific communities already live with the impacts of a changing climate. The Conference affirmed that caring for God’s creation and pursuing climate justice are integral to Christian faith and discipleship.
Reflecting the hope and determination of the gathering, Rev Ravetali said:
“From Fremantle to Fiji, Tuvalu and across the Blue Pacific, we stand together in hope. Our message is simple: Climate Justice Now.”
Inspired by four days of faith, culture and fellowship, the Fijian National Conference leaves Fremantle/Walyalup renewed in Christ and ready to carry its message of hope into the Church and the world, serving faithfully, nurturing the next generation and seeking justice for God’s creation.
