Change to Code of Ethics for Uniting Church Ministers
The Assembly Standing Committee for the UCA has approved a change in the CoE, effective 1 July 2025
June 12, 2025
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.
The Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) has made a change to the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice for Ministers in the Uniting Church in Australia.
The change to the CoE (3.1 (h) & (i)) makes it clear that retired Ministers and Ministers who are in a non-congregational placement should not normally worship in a congregation in which they have previously served in a ministry placement. Recognising that there may some cases where this expectation causes undue hardship to the Minister or their family, the updated CoE allows for a Minister to consult with the Presbytery and any Minister currently in placement within the congregation in question regarding their ongoing worship attendance.
Ministers, Church Councils and Presbyteries should take note of this change to the CoE and if you have any questions, please contact the Assembly Secretariat (enquiries@nat.uca.org.au).
The ASC resolution provides for this change to come into effect as at 1 July 2025.
The updated CoE is available for download here.
More news from the Assembly
Bringing community voices to the heart of Parliament
Bringing community voices to the heart of Parliament 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. Decisions made in Parliament House can have profound outcomes far beyond Canberra. They shape whether community services have…
Queensland gathers for its 39th Synod
Queensland gathers for its 39th Synod meeting How can the Uniting Church embrace renewal, strengthen local ministry and empower the next generations of leaders? These questions shaped three days of worship, conversation and discernment at the 39th Queensland Synod held last weekend. Gathering under the theme ‘Renewal: Praying Without Ceasing’, members from across Queensland…
A Story of Belonging
A STORY OF BELONGING Corina Sumner’s artwork for Held Together By Michael Zewdie Through weaving, water and the meeting of cultures, Corina Sumner’s artwork invites the Uniting Church to consider how we belong to one another while honouring the stories each of us carries. “This artwork is a story…
President's pastoral message following Helen Haines attack
President’s pastoral message following attack In the aftermath of the attack on Helen Haines MP, Rev Charissa Suli has released this message and prayerAs we continue to hold Dr Helen Haines MP, her husband Phil, and their family and the Wangaratta community in our prayers, we recognise the profound suffering caused by this devastating attack…
From where will liturgical renewal come?
From where will liturgical renewal come? By Matthew Julius, Liturgical Renewal Project Lead I recently attended the Australian Academy of Liturgy (AAL) conference, Liturgy Under the Southern Cross. AAL brings together liturgical scholars from different churches across Australia to reflect on Christian worship and its connections to the “public work” of the church (which…
Receiving the Gift of the Spirit
Receiving the Gift of the SpiritReflections on two years as General SecretaryBy Andrew JohnsonTwo years ago, I stood before the 17th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia and accepted the call to serve as General Secretary. I spoke of the commitments I hoped would shape my leadership: our Covenant with First Peoples, our calling…
Prayers for Helen Haines MP
Prayers for Helen Haines MPA prayer from Rev Charissa Suli, President, Uniting Church in AustraliaI invite the Uniting Church across Australia to pray for Helen Haines, the independent Federal Member for Indi, following a serious incident outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Lord God, We hold Helen, her family, friends, staff and…
Celebrating 60 Years Since the Ordination of Dr D'Arcy Wood
Celebrating 60 Years Since the Ordination of Dr D’Arcy Wood A Lifetime of Service: Celebrating 60 Years Since the Ordination of Dr D’Arcy Wood This year marks the 60th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Dr Harold D’Arcy Wood, one of the most respected theologians, church leaders and ecumenists in the…