Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions
The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs for two new Uniting Church National Commissions
May 29, 2025
The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs to lead two new National Commissions.
Established by the 17th Assembly out of a suite of proposals from the Act2 Project, these Commissions are key to the Church’s vision for renewal and for faithful life and discipleship in contemporary Australia.
Rev David Fotheringham has been appointed Chair of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration. This Commission is tasked with progressing the vision of a network of deeply connected councils that respond to God’s call through healthy oversight of ministry and mission, celebrating the Church's diverse and shared identity, and being faithful stewards of its common life and wealth.
The Commission will work collaboratively with all councils, agencies, and institutions of the Church to prioritise sharing resources for the benefit of the whole Church. It will also explore governance models and bring proposals for implementation to the 18th Assembly.
Rev Dr Cathie Lambert has been appointed Chair of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership. This Commission is charged with leading the implementation of the vision for a National Network for Theology, Formation and Leadership. The vision encompasses a visible and accessible network of intentional communities engaged in lifelong learning to equip people to courageously follow Jesus and participate in God’s mission in contemporary Australia.
The Commission will have the authority to work with Ministerial Education Boards to govern and oversee the Uniting Church’s provision of theological education, discipleship, leadership training, and ministry formation.
These appointments mark a significant step forward in the Church’s journey of renewal and commitment to its calling. On behalf of the whole Uniting Church, the Assembly looks forward to the contributions of Rev Fotheringham and Rev Dr Lambert as they lead these Commissions in shaping the future of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Click through below to discover more about them and what their hopes are for the work of the Commissions.
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
Reflection: Conference of our Zimbabwean siblings
Faith, culture and community celebrated Attending the annual conference of the Australia and Oceania Fellowship of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe deepened Rev Kath Behan’s understanding of cross-cultural partnership and God’s boundless familyby Rev Kath Behan, National Consultant with The AssemblyIn late September, I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the Australia…
This is my Uniting Church: Westbourne Park Uniting Church
This is my Uniting Church Westbourne Park 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 shine the spotlight on Westbourne Park Uniting Church, located…
Position available: National Manager - Media and Communications
The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking a highly skilled National Manager, Media and Communications to manage implantation the strategy for media and communications. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a national faith-based organisation, enabling leadership across governance, pastoral presence, and public representation.Subscribe to our newsletterIf…
UCA active and visible at WCRC General Council
UCA delegation renewed to perservere in their witness After playing a prominent role at the WCRC’s General Council, the UCA delegation heads home renewed and uplifted by the shared witness and unity of the gatheringThe Uniting Church in Australia has played an active and visible role at the 27th General Council of the World Communion…
Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community
Val Thurston: Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community Op shops have been part of Australian culture for 100 years. At Corrimal Uniting’s shop, volunteer Val Thurston welcomes with warmth all who walk inThis month marks a remarkable milestone in Australian history: the 100th anniversary of the humble op shop. Once viewed as a…
Fun, fellowship and faith at Vic/Tas family camp
Fun, faith and fellowship as President joins with faith communities for family camp The President joined with families in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania for a weekend family camp on the theme ‘Threads of Inclusion’, inspired by the President’s theme for the trienniumThis article was originally published by Crosslight in the Synod of Victoria…
Changing lives through generosity
Changing lives through generosity Rev Dr Paul Goh recently saw first hand the impact of loving hearts giving generously During his current visit to Thailand as a member of the Uniting Church’s delegation for the World Communion of Reformed Churches’ General Council, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh has shared in a unique presentation hosted…
National History Society Conference held
National History Society Conference meets Big questions were at the heart of the Uniting Church National History Society’s biennial conference held in Canberra earlier this monthby Margaret Reeson, member of the UC National History Society and former Moderator of Synod of NSW and ACT The fifth biennial conference of the Uniting Church National History Society…


