Faith leaders call for generosity in overseas aid
UCA's UnitingWorld among delegation to lobby Federal parliamentarians
September 4, 2025
by Marcus Campbell, Communications Manager at UnitingWorld
Last week, Dr Sureka Goringe, National Director of the UCA agency UnitingWorld, joined the Micah Australia Women Leaders Delegation in Canberra for three days of advocacy meetings with Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum.
Now in its seventh year, the delegation brought together 48 women leaders from 13 denominations and church-based agencies, united in their call for a stronger Australian aid program as a pathway to peace and stability.
The group met with more than 40 MPs – including Foreign Minister Penny Wong and fellow Minister Dr Anne Aly – to advocate for restoring the aid budget to 1% of Gross National Income (GNI) and to highlight urgent global challenges, such as the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
The reengagement with MPs was warm and substantive, with bipartisan recognition that aid is both a form of prevention and a vital expression of Australia’s global leadership.
For Dr Goringe, the experience was not only about engaging with decision-makers, but also about standing in solidarity with a powerful and diverse network of Christian women dedicated to advocating for the vulnerable and marginalised.
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
UCA delegation active at WMC meeting
UCA delegation active at global Methodist gathering in El SalvadorA Uniting Church in Australia delegation has joined Methodists and Wesleyans from around the world in El Salvador, for the World Methodist Council gathering, held from 13–17 August. Gathering under the theme “The Kingdom of God is Justice, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans…
Associate General Secretaries gather
UCA Associate General Secretaries gather Associate General Secretaries from across the Uniting Church gathered last week at Campfire in the Heart, Alice Springs, on the traditional lands of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Custodians of Mparntwe. The gathering brought together Linda Hanson (Synod of Queensland), Sue Page and Andrew Robertson (South Australia), Sharon Hollis…
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided World
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided WorldThe Uniting Church President, Rev Charissa Suli, recently visited Eastwood Uniting Church in Sydney’s north west, where she preached and shared Holy Communion as the congregation celebrated its 2026 theme, TOGETHER. The theme reflects the congregation’s rich intercultural life, bringing together English, Korean and Chinese-speaking worshippers, alongside people…
When fuel prices rise, who picks up the pieces?
When fuel prices rise, who picks up the pieces? As fuel prices rise again, financial pressure is reaching more Australian households. Tamara Thomas explores the growing demand for support and why stronger safety nets are urgently neededThis article was first published by The Point. It is republished with permission. By Tamara Thomas, National Director of…
Celebrating INS 2026
Many cultures, one body: celebrating Intercultural Neighbouring SundayLast month, congregations and communities across the Uniting Church gathered to celebrate Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday (INS) – a day to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and languages that make up the body of Christ and explore what it means to live our faith interculturally. Emerging from a…
Change to Code of Ethics for Uniting Church Ministers
Change to Code of Ethics for Uniting Church Ministers The Assembly Standing Committee for the UCA has approved a change in the CoE, effective 1 January 2027 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…
President's reflection: How can we love our neighbours well?
President’s Reflection: Threads of Love in Hobart and beyond God’s mission has always been shared. At Hobart North Uniting, President Rev Charissa Suli witnessed how different gifts and callings can weave together to love our neighbours well. During a recent visit to Hobart North Uniting Church, President Rev Charissa Suli was encouraged by a congregation asking…
Expression of Interest: Member, AFARC
A Committee of the Uniting Church in Australia National Assembly Initial three-year term The Assembly Finance Audit and Risk Committee (AFARC) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people who are interested in contributing their expertise to the governance of the National Assembly. The National Assembly includes the Assembly…