Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation

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.