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.
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.
Meet our Advocate
The Advocate for the Being a Multicultural Church Circle is Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama. We asked Matagi to tell us about himself. My full name is Matagi Jessop Don Vilitama What I’m doing now: working with the young people to organise the very first Niue National Youth Conference. My greatest achievement is being married for 28 years with 6
Why I call the Uniting Church home
By Manu Ahosivi, Member of Park Uniting Church, Brisbane, QLD Synod The Tongan National Conference (TNC) held their executive meeting at Canterbury Uniting Church in Melbourne on the 17-19 August 2018. I have been part of the conference for almost 10 years and have always committed myself to attend the executive meetings to be part of the
President meets National Conferences
By Apwee Ting, National Consultant President Deidre Palmer met with leaders from the National Conferences of the Uniting Church. It was the first time for the President to meet with all 11 National Conferences in one room – South Sudanese, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Indonesian, Korean, Tongan, Fijian, Samoan and Niuean. The day opened by Deidre with worship