Easter Madness 2026: A place to belong

Other speakers, including Sheryl Scanlan, added further depth, each offering unique and engaging reflections that helped young people grasp the richness of belonging in the life of faith.

Throughout the event, there was a strong sense that young people were not merely attending, but actively participating: leading in worship, engaging in prayer, and stepping forward in faith. The impact of intentional mentoring relationships, was clearly visible. These relationships, grounded in trust and presence, are helping nurture a new generation of leaders.

As one leader observed, young people consistently value those who walk alongside them – who listen, invest, and create space for growth. Easter Madness reinforced that discipleship is deeply relational, and that faith is often formed in the context of authentic, supportive community.

Voices from the gathering captured the spirit of the event. UAICC’s Kym Korbe reflected on the powerful witness of young Aboriginal participants: “It blew me away to see our young Aboriginal people confidently embracing the service, bravely taking steps to the front for prayer, and happily supporting their friends… It was the day the LORD had made for sure!”

Easter Madness organiser Fernando Torres described the event as a living expression of the Body of Christ, where each person contributed something unique and valuable. Reflecting on the theme, he said, “Belonging is one of the strongest desires and needs in human existence… Through the witness of the Word and the Spirit at Easter Madness 2026, we were reminded that we were born already belonging – we are and were never alone.”

He recalled a powerful moment at the Sunday rally, when young people were invited to respond to the call to belong more deeply to Jesus. “I was absolutely overcome… when I saw four young girls come forward and decide to kneel… tears flowing like a river, their hands outstretched to heaven in a clear sign of surrender and love for Jesus”.
Moments like these underscored the deeper movement at work, one of spiritual openness, courage and transformation.

Easter Madness 2026 also reflected key priorities of the Uniting Church Assembly. It supported a renewed focus on discipleship and faith formation, encouraged the raising of emerging leaders, and demonstrated the importance of intergenerational mentoring. Above all, it embodied the Church’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community where young people truly belong.

The event offered a hopeful sign of spiritual renewal, a reminder that the Church’s future is already taking shape in the lives of young people who are responding to Jesus, growing in faith, and stepping into leadership.
In a world where many experience disconnection and uncertainty, Easter Madness proclaimed a different truth: that in Christ, we all belong – to God, to one another, and to a shared mission of love and service.