Filipino National Conference 2026: Weaving a future
Generations of Filipino Uniting Church members gathered to celebrate faith, culture and community, while weaving a shared vision for an intercultural future
November 2, 2026
Three days of worship, storytelling, cultural celebration and discernment have brought together generations of Filipino members of the Uniting Church, as the Filipino National Conference 2026 gathered at Quakers Hill Uniting Church in Sydney’s west.
Under the theme Paghabi: Weaving Our Future with God, the conference celebrated the richness of Filipino faith and culture while exploring how the community can continue shaping the future of the Uniting Church as an intercultural Church.
Welcoming participants, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli reflected on her longstanding relationship with Filipino communities and the importance of creating opportunities for every generation to contribute, lead and flourish.
“Filipino Christians are not merely contributors to the cultural diversity of our Church. You are part of the Uniting Church’s identity, its witness and its future,” she said.
The theme of paghabi, meaning weaving, provided a powerful image for the weekend, highlighting the relationships, stories and wisdom that connect generations while making room for new voices and possibilities.
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President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh explored this vision in his keynote address, What does God have at stake for an intercultural church in Australia?
Drawing on the imagery of weaving, he challenged participants to move beyond simply bringing different cultural communities together towards building relationships that genuinely transform one another.
“A multicultural church may have Filipino, Korean, Tongan, Fijian and Anglo congregations worshipping beside one another without truly meeting. An intercultural church allows our hearts to cross, our stories to intersect, and our relationships to change,” he said.
Rev Dr Goh identified four things God has at stake in the life of an intercultural Church: God’s name, God’s household, God’s children and God’s land.
He particularly emphasised the importance of belonging and ensuring younger generations have a genuine voice in shaping the Church.
“Our young people are not a problem to solve. They are new colours God is adding to the cross,” he declared.
The conference continued with stories of ministry from Quakers Hill Uniting Church and the Philippines, alongside conversations about discipleship among young people in diaspora communities, ministry with children and older adults, and overseas partnerships.
Participants also explored the connections between the Uniting Church, UnitingWorld, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and other partner churches, recognising the importance of shared mission and relationships across borders.
A highlight of the weekend was Cultural Night, which brought participants together through music, dance, performance and celebration, showcasing the vibrancy of Filipino culture and the community's contribution to the life of the Church.
The final day included worship and Communion, led by President Suli, with the Filipino Chancel Choir providing music for the gathering. An open conversation with the President also explored leadership, discipleship, the role of National Conferences, the future direction of the Church and the continuing work of confronting racism.
Participants then turned their attention to the future of the Filipino National Conference through listening groups, discernment and the election of its next convenors, before gathering for a final commissioning service.
Mabuhay and salamat to everyone who made the Filipino National Conference 2026 a celebration of God's people and the future we are called to weave together.
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