Faithful keeper of memory
Christine Gordon celebrates 25 years preserving the Uniting Church’s story, faithfully safeguarding its history and memory for future generations
April 1, 2026
This Friday marks a remarkable milestone for Christine Gordon, who celebrates 25 years as Archivist for the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly, a role she has embraced with passion and unwavering commitment.
“I have loved every minute of this work,” Christine reflects, summing up a role that has quietly but profoundly shaped the Church’s ability to remember, reflect and tell its story.
Since 2001, Christine has supported Assembly agencies – many now part of the Church’s history – as well as Synods, members and researchers from around the world. Her work has extended beyond Australia, offering archival guidance through UnitingWorld to partner churches in Tonga and the Cook Islands, and to Nungalinya College in Darwin.
Her service has spanned the life of the Church on varying levels and occasions. “I have had the privilege of visiting and working with most Synods, attended seven Assemblies, worked with nine Presidents, three General Secretaries and numerous National Directors and staff members,” she recounts.
Along the way, she has ensured that the Church’s story is carefully preserved and made accessible.
At the heart of Christine’s work is a learned understanding of archives as the guardians of corporate memory. Through her stewardship, records – ranging from meeting minutes and reports to photographs and digital files – are preserved not only for legal and administrative purposes, but as vital witnesses to the Church’s life, mission and identity.
These collections, held across institutions such as the State Library of NSW, the National Library of Australia, AIATSIS and the National Film and Sound Archive, form an enduring resource for historians, storytellers, and leaders seeking to share the Uniting Church’s story with integrity and truth.
The Assembly extends its hearty congratulations and sincere gratitude to Christine for her 25 years of service. Her tireless effort stands as a testament to ensuring that the story of the Uniting Church remains not only for us today, but for generations to come.
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.
From top left clockwise: Geoff Barnes and Christine Gordon (2001); Jeannie, Mark Hillis and Christine (2010); Christine with Geoff Barnes and Daryl Lightfoot (2001); Christine with past President Rev Dr Alistair McCrae, current President Rev Charissa Suli and History Society conference delegates (2025); Auburn Mosque (2013); and Christine with Margaret Somerville and Helen Richmond (2011).
More news from the President
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…
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…
Presbytery leaders gathers in Hobart
Presbytery leaders gather in Hobart 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 than The Uniting Church’s National Presbytery Ministers Gathering 2026 brought more than 35 leaders from every state and territory…
Vale Rev Dr John Brown AM
Vale Rev Dr John Brown AM: a faithful pioneer of the Uniting ChurchIt is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rev Dr John Brown AM, one of the Uniting Church in Australia’s most influential leaders, who died last Friday, 17 July, at the age of 92. A faithful servant…
Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action
Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action The Uniting Church in Australia has renewed its partnership with the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) this week, reaffirming a shared commitment to faith, solidarity and climate justice as Tuvalu faces an increasingly uncertain future. On the low-lying islands of Tuvalu, climate change is not a…
Broome UC: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley
Broome Uniting: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley Next month the Broome Uniting Church celebrates a centenary of worship in its current church building. Wendy Hendry from the Synod of WA recently travelled to the neighbouring Northern Synod to learn more about the church and its people This article was first published…
President's Message for NAIDOC Week and the anniversary of the UAICC Covenant
President’s Message for NAIDOC Week and the anniversary of the UAICC Covenant Today, 10 July, marks the 32nd anniversary of the Convenant between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. With today’s anniversary and the current NAIDOC Week, the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev…
President concludes visit to Tonga
President concludes Tonga visit with strengthened Pacific partnerships Following a week of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of Christianity in Tonga, Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli has concluded her visit with high-level meetings that strengthened the Church’s enduring commitment to partnership across the Pacific. The week-long bicentenary celebrations brought together thousands…