A tribute to Joan Stott, a woman of unwavering faith and action

The Uniting Church Assembly joins with many across Australia and around the world in mourning the passing and giving thanks for the life of Dorothy Joan (“Joan”) Stott, who died peacefully on 9 July 2025 in Victoria.

Joan’s life was marked by deep faith, servant leadership and a steadfast commitment to the ministry of the Church. Her influence was felt locally in her beloved Geelong community, nationally through the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF), and internationally through the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women. All were enriched by her enduring passions for the gifts of women and of older people.

Joan’s UCAF leadership began locally and extended nationally, culminating in her appointment as UCAF National President from 1985 to 1988. In this role she also re‑engaged with the World Federation of Methodist Women, attending international conferences in the Asia‑Pacific region and serving as editor of the Tree of Life newsletter.

In 1991 she was elected South Pacific Area President, and in 1996 she became World Secretary. That same year, she advocated for a historic name change to the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, affirming the role of United and Uniting churches in global fellowship.

Her years as World Secretary (1996–2001) under the presidency of Rev Dr Khushnud Azariah were a time of innovation as the Weaving Together programme for leaders was established and the Helen Kim Memorial Scholarship was created to nurture young women’s leadership. As Secretary, Joan made a significant contribution to compiling a detailed Federation Handbook to guide global assemblies.

She participated in numerous WFMUCW and NGO United Nations conferences around the world, always advocating for women’s leadership and empowerment.

Beyond her national and international work, Joan faithfully served the Uniting Church as an elder and as chair of several boards and committees. In 2010, the UCAF National Committee established the Joan Stott UCAF Bursary in recognition of her lifelong commitment to encouraging and equipping new leaders for ministry.

Originally trained as a nurse, Joan brought her care for others into every sphere. At another point in her life, she completed a Clinical Pastoral Education Program which enabled her to initiate and train volunteers for a visiting program across 25 aged‑care facilities in the then-Barwon Presbytery. More than 500 people were equipped through this initiative.

Even in ‘retirement,’ Joan’s vibrant life and ministry continued. Her great love for her daughters, Helena and Carolyn, reflected her devotion to sisterhood. She remained a lay preacher, led a weekly Worship on Thursday service for those unable to attend on Sundays, and wrote widely used prayers and meditations for her website The Timeless Psalms. She also contributed devotions and orders of service to the Vic/Tas UCAF’s NetWork magazine well into recent years.

Joan will be remembered as a wise mentor, a faithful friend and a visionary leader whose work has borne fruit in local congregations and global networks alike. The Assembly gives thanks to God for her life and ministry, commending her to the eternal love and peace of Christ, and praying that her example will continue to inspire generations to come.

A private family cremation has been held, and a celebration of Joan’s life will take place at a later date.

Tributes to Joan from around Australia and the world

These tributes were gathered with the great help of Pam Grant, former Secretary of the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship National Committee.

Khushnud Azariah, World President, WFM&UCW (1996-2001)

Joan Stott's legacy is a testament to her selflessness and passion for serving God's people. As President of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, I was blessed to have Joan serve as Secretary, providing invaluable support and partnership. Together, we empowered women of all ages to be part of a dynamic movement. As Secretary (1996-2001), Joan inspired countless women to live out their faith.

Joan’s unwavering support and dedication to making Christ known to the global sisterhood are a lasting legacy. Though she faced health challenges, her spirit remained unbroken. We're grateful for her life, ministry, and contributions to the Federation. May her work continue to inspire women worldwide to live out the motto "To know God and to make Him known."

Ann Connan, current President of the Vic/Tas Uniting Church Adult Fellowship

I first met Joan when I joined the Synod UCAF Council in 1986 and attended my first live-in-Conference at Otira. Joan was leading discussions on re-structuring and, being 10 years younger than most, new and shy, I said nothing. Towards the end of the plenary, Joan came to me saying, “I see steam coming out of your ears, Ann. What are your ideas?" They were totally different. But Joan liked my thoughts, encouraged me and directions were changed. Joan became my mentor.

Alison Judd, President Emerita 2022-2026

World Federation sisters were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joan Stott, one of our highly valued Senior Friends. She was considered a woman of unwavering faith and passion, inspiring church women to serve God's people with love and dedication.  She gave outstanding service to the World Federation and we are thankful for her leadership and ministry with women throughout the world. 

Mrs Sipiwe Chisvo, our current World President, has acknowledged Joan’s dedicated service to the Federation as World Secretary 1996-2001, particularly noting her production of a substantial book of clear guidelines for organising our activities including a World Assembly.

I recall meeting Joan when she was invited to share an afternoon worship time with us at the World Executive meeting in Melbourne. We felt privileged and greatly encouraged by her visit. 

We shall also remember and give thanks for Joan's life at our Assembly Memorial service in Auckland, August 2026. 

Margaret Pedler, UCAF National Committee Chairperson 2015-2018 and 2021-2024

Joan was a wise, hospitable and compassionate woman. She had a deep sense of call to education, which stemmed from the time that her brothers were training to be Ministers of the Word and had to struggle financially. 

When the UCAF National Committee established the UCAF Bursary, Joan was fully supportive of the project and delighted in what that might mean for young people wanting to pursue theological education. She felt honoured when the UCAF National Committee determined to establish this in recognition of her huge commitment to the ministry of the UCAF. So, in 2010 the first Joan Stott UCAF Bursary was awarded.

Joan was very supportive of the students who were the recipients and she took great pleasure in contacting the recipients herself.  

On meeting her at her home, I found her to be a woman of great knowledge of the UCAF and the World Federation and she was more than happy to share her thoughts and knowledge about all aspects of the Uniting Church. Joan was a friendly phone call away if you needed her insight on UCAF matters and the Bursary. She had a passion for the Federation and also for her local church activities in Geelong.

I found her to be a person of great insight and with a deep sense of care for others. A true blessing in the life of the church, locally and internationally. She will be sadly missed.

Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia

Joan's unwavering commitment to the ministry of the Uniting Church—particularly through her leadership in UCAF, her global witness through the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, and her spiritual guidance as a lay preacher and writer—leaves a lasting legacy of faithfulness, wisdom, and grace.

Her passion for uplifting the voices of older members in our congregations and equipping people for pastoral ministry reflects the heart of the Gospel and the generous love of God she carried so gently.

The establishment of the Joan Stott UCAF Bursary continues to honour her legacy in nurturing theological education and leadership development across the Church for women and girls. We give thanks for her tireless witness and for the ways her life has enriched the Uniting Church community.

Matt Julius, Joan Stott UCAF Bursary Recipient 2016

The more I learn about the UCAF there’s a kind of recipe that emerges which makes the UCAF what it is:

½ a cup of pragmatism
2 sticks of care
454g (1lb in the old money) of generosity to bring it all together.

I never knew Joan, but as a recipient of the bursary in her name I was able to experience a glimpse of her legacy.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.