A reflection from UCA’s President
Rev Charissa Suli has penned this reflection following the 41st session of the Uniting Church of NSW & ACT Synod that was recently held in Sydney
July 29, 2025
by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of joining with the Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT for a time of prayerful discernment, honest conversation, and deep listening. Together, as a community of faith, we’ve gathered to shape a renewed vision for our Church – one that stays grounded in the gospel of Christ while speaking into the needs and hopes of our world today.
As I listened to the stories and hopes shared by members of our Church, I was deeply encouraged. There’s a vibrant and living hope among us – not just in words, but in action. A hope that says we are committed to building a Church that reflects God’s love with greater inclusion, courage and authenticity.
One of the strongest themes that emerged – and that I know many of us carry in our own lives – is a deep concern and passion for young people. Whether it’s our children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, neighbours or youth in our congregations – we all have young people in our lives who we care deeply about. We want them to grow in faith, to be heard, to be seen, and to feel that the Church is a place where they belong.
At this Synod meeting, I heard a strong and unwavering desire to invest in the next generation. Not just for their future, but because their voices, wisdom and leadership are vital to the Church now. We are being called to build a Church that doesn’t just include young people – but is shaped by them.
“The Uniting Church is a community where all are welcome, all are valued, and all are loved – not in spite of their differences, but because of the richness they bring.”
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I was also reminded of the incredible diversity that already exists across our congregations – and in our own lives. We worship and serve alongside First Nations peoples, people from different cultural and language backgrounds, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people of other faiths, and people who are still searching. Most of us know someone – a friend, a colleague, a family member – who is part of these communities.
And so we reaffirm, with love and clarity: every person is made in the image of God. Every person deserves to be heard. Every person deserves to belong. The Uniting Church is a community where all are welcome, all are valued, and all are loved – not in spite of their differences, but because of the richness they bring.
This Synod gathering reminded me – and I hope it reminds you – that we are in this together. The Spirit is moving among us, calling us not just to hold space for others, but to truly listen and be changed by the voices around us. That includes the voices of our young people, our culturally diverse communities, our LGBTIQ+ siblings, our First Peoples and those on the margins.
This is a sacred moment in the life of our Church – and in each of our lives. It’s a moment to recommit ourselves to being a Church of both the present and the future. A Church that boldly welcomes, genuinely listens, and courageously follows Christ’s call to love – without condition, without exception.
Alongside our General Secretary, I was grateful to share the Assembly’s national and international work – a reminder of the global impact we are making through our justice advocacy, mission partnerships, and witness to God’s love in action. That work doesn’t belong to someone else – it belongs to all of us.
So let’s keep walking this road together – sharing the Threads of God’s Love wherever we are, with whomever we meet, in every part of our life and faith.
May we move forward with humility, hope and a heart wide open.
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