April 22, 2026
As Australia pauses to mark ANZAC Day this Saturday, Army Chaplain and Uniting Church Minister Rev Matthew Stuart invites us into a space of remembrance shaped by honesty, lament and hope.
In a video message recorded for ANZAC Day (see below), Rev Stuart names the reality many feel but struggle to articulate. Ours is a time marked by violence, within homes, across communities and throughout the world. In such moments, prayer does not always come easily or neatly. Sometimes, he says, the truest prayer we can offer is lament: “Where are you, Lord?”
This cry echoes across the human experience – amid war and destruction, widening inequality, and the quiet suffering of those whose struggles seem unseen. Rather than turning away from these questions, Rev Stuart encourages us to bring them before God, trusting that even our anguish is heard.
He prompts us to turn our gaze towards Christ, the Shepherd and Prince of Peace, calling us to recognise God’s presence in unexpected places: in those who speak peace, in the lives of the poor, and in the hidden faces of Christ among us. In remembering the courage, sacrifice and humanity of those who served, we are invited not only to honour the past, but to be shaped by it.
He offers the following prayer:
We remember those who served defending freedom,
their bravery and dedication,
their commitment and humour,
their resourcefulness and hope.
We remember sailors, soldiers and aviators
and their loved ones who suffered
in times of quietness.
Some of us remember the sounds of battlefields,
the hopelessness of defeat, and the poverty of captivity.
We remember those buried in foreign shores
who paid the ultimate sacrifice for peace.
We remember Australians from Albany to Atherton,
from Balmain to Burnie,
from Geelong to Gawler.
We remember sons and daughters,
husbands and wives,
fathers and mothers who served in times of war.
Lord, we remember,
we honour,
and we are grateful to them.
May we strive for peace
in your name, Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Rev Stuart’s message and prayer reminds us that ANZAC Day is not only about memory, but about formation. As we honour those who served, we are called anew to be people who seek peace, embody compassion, and remain attentive to God’s presence, especially in a troubled world.
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.
More news from the Assembly
Words, witness and the future
Words, witness and the future As the Uniting Church enters its 50th year, Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson reflects on the statements that shape us – and challenges us to live them out.Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter…
President's 49th anniversary message
2026 Uniting Church Anniversary message UCA President marks Uniting Church’s 49th Anniversary with message of hope and Jubilee 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. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has…
Let our faith speak
Let our faith speak By Dr Sureka Goringe, National Director, UnitingWorld I recently spent two days at the Christian Conference of Asia, sitting with church leaders who between them carry the hopes of 50 million Christians across this region. I asked them what keeps them awake. One challenge they spoke about most often was…
This is my Uniting Church: Echunga UC
This is my Uniting Church Echunga Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we head to the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, where we meet with the…
Refugee Week 2026: A million stories, one shared humanity
From 14–20 June, churches, community groups and organisations across Australia will mark Refugee Week 2026, an opportunity to celebrate the courage, resilience and contributions of people who have sought safety and a new beginning in this country. This year’s theme, “A Million Stories”, marks a significant milestone: since…
Equitable energy upgrades: caring for people, caring for creation
Equitable energy upgrades:caring for people, caring for creation An environmental initiative, led by Armidale Uniting Church, is helping vulnerable households access the benefits of the clean energy transition, combining practical support, energy justice and community care By Trevor Brown and Rev Simon Hansford, Armidale Uniting Church In Armidale, on Anaiwan Country on the Northern…
Church members recognised in King's Birthday 2026 honours
King’s Birthday Honours 2026 The UCA congratulates those members of our Church who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the communityThe Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates all members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List. From insightful authors and compassionate community carers to enlightening…
Faithful advocacy at the heart of first Climate Action Roundtable
Faithful advocacy at the Heart of Climate Action Roundtable The Uniting Church’s first Climate Action Roundtable of the year encouraged participants to engage in climate justice through informed, practical and collective actionSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered…