"A fleet of canoes at sea"
Insights from our international church partners over lunch with UnitingWorld
July 13, 2024
UnitingWorld hosted an insightful lunchtime panel discussion with visiting partner church leaders from India, Indonesia and Tonga. UCA members heard leaders speak on issues including faith and climate change, ecumenism, ending poverty and unity in multifaith contexts.
General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, Rev James Bhagwan, likened the coalition of churches to “a fleet of canoes at sea”, all working together to navigate and advocate for social changes on social issues like climate change.
Rev Bhagwan said:
“We need to lead the way for climate change within our communities, and also encourage informed decisions at an individual and constituent level.”
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.
Rev Dr Tevita Havea, President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, spoke about the devastation of the tsunami and volcanic eruption in Tonga, reflecting on the very intimate stories of trauma relayed to him by families. He recalled one little girl relaying her anguish to him over not being able to find her school backpack in the midst of the rubble and natural destruction.
Rt Rev Sameer Khimla reflected on what God is doing in the expansive and populous diocese of Durgapur in Northern India. A focus of their work is social empowerment, education, hygiene initiatives and anti-human trafficking, specifically in the northern regions bordering Bangladesh.
Rev Dr Demianus Ice, Moderator of the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera (Indonesia), reflected on the entrenched legacy of socio-political trauma in the country. He highlighted the need to focus on interfaith and intercultural dialogue to soothe these tensions.
The presence of international church partners at Assembly meetings is a long tradition and brings breadth to the discussions by fostering a deeper understanding of global issues facing the church (such as poverty, climate change and gender equality) and how the Uniting Church is playing a part in that work. Earlier in the day the Church Parnters brought a greeting to the Assembly meeting.
A delegation of leaders from the Presbyterian Church of Korea, including the Moderator and General Secretary, also attended the installation of President Rev Charissa Suli on Thursday evening.
Read more 17th Assembly news
Position Available: EO - Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration
Position Available: Executive Officer – Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration Apply your leadership skills, strategic thinking and understanding of the Uniting Church in Australia to a new phase of the national Act2 ProjectExecutive Officer – Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration Uniting Church in Australia Assembly PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Act2 Project is…
uHub: a new digital home for UCA resources
A refreshed home for UCA resourcesThe Uniting Church Assembly is excited to introduce you to uHub – the refreshed digital home for the treasures of our Church, with a new name. Previously known as Illuminate, this central platform brings together Assembly resolutions, justice and theology statements, worship and liturgical resources, governance documents, historical materials, and…
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of key personnel for the two new Uniting Church National CommissionsThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of two key personnel to the work of the new National Commissions. Established by…
Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions
Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs for two new Uniting Church National CommissionsThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs to lead two new National Commissions. Established by the 17th Assembly out of a…
What's next for Act2?
What’s next for the Act2 Project? The work of the Act2 Project is by no means over. Rather, it is in a time of transition after the 17th Assembly, writes Acting Act2 Project Lead Rev Erik Lennestålwritten by Acting Act2 Project Lead, Rev Erik Lennestål The work of the Act2 Project is by no means…
Video: Meet our President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh
“The Gospel to the whole creation”: Meet our President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh We share an interview filmed at the 17th Assembly following Paul Goh’s election as the next President. He will serve in the Uniting Church’s most senior leadership role from 2027-2030The Assembly is delighted to release this new video introducing you to the…
That's a wrap on the 17th Assembly
That’s a wrap on the 17th Assembly meeting The 17th Assembly has wrapped up after six joyful days of fellowship, worship and discernment. As we head home from the triennial meeting, let’s keep weaving Christ’s loveThe 17th Assembly meeting wrapped up in Parramatta on Tuesday afternoon after six days of joyful Christian community, worship, prayer…
Act2 Decisions Summary
17th Assembly resolved on Act2 The 17th Assembly has adopted three new visions for the life of the Uniting Church, established two new national Commissions and requested further work on the national structure of the UCAThe 17th Assembly has made a series of decisions arising out of the Act2 Project, adopting three new visions for…