In 1985 the Uniting Church declared itself a multicultural church, embracing the growing cultural diversity of its membership. Today in the Uniting Church we worship in 30 languages other than English (not including Indigenous languages); we have more than 195 groups who worship in a language other than English; and we have 12 national conferences which support congregations and communities of the same culture.
The Uniting Church rejoices in its diversity of races, cultures and languages as God’s gracious gift and seeks be a true multicultural church living its faith and life cross-culturally.
The Being a Multicultural Church Circle seeks to create genuine ways for diverse voices and contributions to be respectfully heard across the wider membership of the church.
This Circle is for everyone, whether you are part of a small or big community, speaking English or not, recently arrived or having lived in Australia for generations.
Circle members will be invited to share their own stories of faith, hope and love in Christ Jesus. The Circle will be a platform to learn about and contribute to cross cultural learning, ministry with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups, intentional intercultural ministry and formation for the next generation.
The Advocate for the Being a Multicultural Church Circle is Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama.
We asked Matagi to tell us about himself.
Living God's Call
Sermon by Rev. Charissa Suli at the Induction of Rev Isileli Jason Kioa Induction Service, Saturday 9h February 2019, 3.00pm, Mascot Wesley UCA. Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 The Lord be with you! I bring you greetings from the National Assembly office and I greet you in the name of
Christ born into every culture
Circle Advocate Rev. Dr Matagi Vilitama shares a Christmas message. Christmas is a time for family and community in most cultures. It is one time in the year when families travel to spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy being in communion with one another. In many island cultures, the umu or lovo (earth
Meet Panel Member Rev. Jason Kioa
Rev. Jason Kioa is a Panel Member of the Being a Multicultural Circle. We asked Jason to share a bit about himself. Currently, I am finishing ministry at Dandenong Regional Uniting Church in Melbourne to move to another multicultural congregation, Mascot Wesley Uniting Church in Sydney beginning in February 2019. This is a huge move
Trusting in the work of the Holy Spirit
By Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama, Being a Multicultural Circle Advocate In a world characterised by globalisation and increasing inter-cultural interaction, it is critical that we engage other cultures and the differing perspectives they offer in our daily experiences both inside and outside worshipping congregations. We trust the work of the Holy Spirit in the weaving
Meet Panel Member Rev Angie Griffin
Rev Angie Griffin is one of the Panel Members of the Being a Multicultural Circle. We asked Angie to tell us about herself. My full name is Rev Angelina Carmela ‘Angie’ Griffin I am currently in full time placement as Minister for the Grange Cluster congregations in the Henty Region of the Presbytery of Western Victoria.