Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation
An important online consultation was recently held to examine a new proposal for the Church’s life together
October 15, 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.
Following the joyful celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Uniting Church’s declaration “We Are a Multicultural Church” earlier this year, an important consultation was held on 7 October to explore a new proposal for the Church’s life together: a Uniting Decade of Intercultural Transformation (2026–2035).
The online gathering brought together more than 40 participants from across cultures, councils and contexts of the Church, reflecting the very diversity at the heart of this vision.
The consultation opened in prayer, led by Rev Lindsay Cullen, Assembly Associate General Secretary, and was moderated by Rev Dr Sunny Chen, Assembly Mission and Ministry Consultant. The keynote presentation was delivered by Rev Dr Paul Goh, Advocate for the Being a Multicultural Church Circle and President-Elect, who helped frame the conversation.
Paul reminded participants that 40 years after declaring ourselves a Multicultural Church (1985) and entering a covenantal relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) in 1994, the Uniting Church in Australia stands at a fresh kairos moment. The proposed Decade calls the Church into a Spirit-led journey of renewal – through repentance, reconciliation, reformation, and shared life – toward embodying God’s vision of new creation in every person, culture, community, and council. It outlines a coordinated national movement to: deepen our theological identity, re-envision what it means to be a multicultural Church, reform structures and practices, and nurture intercultural worship, witness, service, and leadership.
Grounded in the Basis of Union and inspired by the Pentecost vision of a multilingual, multicultural community, the proposal envisions the Church as a living sign, foretaste, and instrument of God’s reconciling reign – celebrating diversity, ensuring equity, and working for justice in all its life and practices.
Three panellists then offered reflections engaging with the proposal. Rev Myung Hwa Park, former Moderator of the NSW/ACT Synod, drew on 35 years of cross-cultural ministry, telling stories of both struggle and grace, and inviting the Church to see how God’s Spirit has been patiently shaping us into a more welcoming, intercultural community. Second-generation leader and Advocate for the Discipling the Next Generations Circle, Virginia Lavaki spoke of the realities of living between cultures, calling for greater representation, formation, and mentorship for emerging leaders. Mikenzie Ling, Wiradjuri leader and First Peoples Strategy and Engagement Consultant in the Synod of NSW/ACT, affirmed the emphasis on language and mutuality, and invited the Church into a journey of visible unity and mutual transformation.
Breakout group discussions highlighted rich insights and pressing questions. Participants reflected that while cultures may not change, our perspectives do, and it is through intergenerational spaces of shared learning and creativity that the Church remains relevant. They stressed the importance of addressing cultural indifference and racism with language that names injustice while still inviting participation. Others spoke of mapping passions, gifts, and intercultural engagements across the Church to support deeper connection – especially for younger generations seeking a sense of belonging.
Theological and structural issues were also raised: What does unity and equality look like globally? How do we embed a theology of diversity alongside unity? How do we ensure leadership representation across cultures and generations? Groups affirmed that interculturality is not a niche for migrant congregations but the calling of the whole Church.
The consultation closed with a prayer led by Rev Dr Goh: “Come, Holy Spirit, renew and transform your Church for your mission in the world – make us a people reconciled, a community transformed, and a witness to the life and hope of Christ. Amen.”
This proposal will be refined through further consultations, with a revised version to be presented to the Assembly Standing Committee in November 2025. Together, the conversations point to a future where the Uniting Church not only welcomes diversity but is transformed by it.

Rev Dr Paul Goh

Rev Lindsay Cullen

Rev Dr Sunny Chen

Rev Myung Hwa Park
More news from the Assembly
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…
Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation
Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation An important online consultation was recently held to examine a new proposal for the Church’s life together 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.…
Uniting Church Assembly statement on the Israel-Hamas peace agreement
Statement on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Peace Agreement Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, has released a statement expressing deep relief and cautious hope following the reaching of a peace agreement last week and the commencement of hostage release on MondayStatement by President Rev Charissa Suli On the ceasefire and peace agreement…
The Uniting Church at the WCRC
The Uniting Church at the World Communion of Reformed Churches The global church in the Reformed tradition is gathering in Chiang Mai this week for the seven-yearly World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council. We speak to some of our official delegates From 14-23 October this year, people from across the global church are…
Position available: EA to UCA President
The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking a highly skilled Executive Assistant to provide dedicated support to the President. 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 you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church…
Climate Talanoa: Justice, inclusion, wisdom
Climate Talanoa: justice, inclusion and wisdom Ron Johnson, Policy Advisor – Church Engagement with UnitingCare Australia, reflects on a recent meeting of Pasika, church and government representatives which gathered to discuss the impacts of climate change across the Pacific regionOn Thursday 2 October, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli, Synod of NSW and ACT Moderator…
Armidale Uniting leading the charge for a cleaner energy future
Armidale Uniting leading the charge for a cleaner energy future This NSW regional Uniting Church is putting faith into action, pioneering practical clean energy solutions that combine environmental responsibility with community care and justiceArmidale Uniting Church is emerging as a leader in faith-based climate action. Guided by their dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship and social…
Korean National Conference celebrates 50 years
Korean National Conference celebrates 50 years of faith and ministry The 2025 gathering was filled with fellowship and encouragement, as well as recognition of the Korean community’s invaluable contribution to the wider church bodyby Rev Myung Hwa Park, Outgoing Chair of the Korean National ConferenceThe Korean National Conference, one of the longest and largest national…