Commission meets in person for first time
It was yet another milestone moment for the Commission for Theology, Formation & Leadership
December 3, 2025
By Rev Dr Cathie Lambert, Chair for the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership
On 10–11 November the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the first time in person in Sydney. It was significant to spend time together and over meals and discussions to bring to life the people who had been faces on a screen.
Our first day was spent in an “open space” style discussion. Members were given the opportunity to discern the topics they felt were important in progressing, implementing and realising the vision for a National Network for Theology, Formation and Leadership adopted by the 17th Assembly:
“A visible and accessible network of intentional communities engaged in life-long learning to equip people to courageously follow Jesus and participate in God’s mission in contemporary Australia.”
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.
Members were able to gather in groups of interest and passion. This process raised areas of concern, places of increasing collaboration and spaces of life and joy. These conversations led to intentional connections with communities of practice already established in areas of education and formation. The priority of reviewing the Ministry of Pastor was also identified and work to liaise with stakeholders to assess the best way forward was commissioned.
On the second day, we turned our attention to beginning the work of moving towards a single higher education provider for our theological colleges. We began with some honest conversation about each Synods willingness to change, before asking the question – What are the characteristics of a higher education provider that would best serve the Uniting Church? The Commission developed a list of desirable aspects. We will now refine this list and engage in discussions with Ministry Education Boards across the country to gain their feedback.
We concluded our meeting with a sense of direction leading into 2026.
Our meeting dates for the new year are currently being confirmed. We have appointed an Executive to meet between meetings which includes the Chair, Executive Officer Dr Damian Palmer, Rev Dr Seferosa Carroll, Rev A/Prof Kylie Crabbe and Rev Dr Peter Hobson.
We are looking forward to beginning to engaging with the wider church in 2026 to present our ideas for implementing the Assembly’s vision.
More news from the Assembly
President joins Pacific women leaders in Tuvalu
President joins Pacific women leaders for gathering in TuvaluUniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli is in Tuvalu this week, joining women leaders from across the Pacific for a regional gathering exploring the connections between faith, gender and climate justice. Hosted by the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) Church in Funafuti, the Tuākoi Lei – Faith, Gender…
Frontier Services attend National Bush Summit
National Bush Summit 2026 Frontier Services joined national conversations on the future of rural and remote Australia, listening to communities and advocating for practical, compassionate change 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…
August Update from Theology, Formation and Leadership Commission
August update from Act2 TFL Commission The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership welcomed Rev Dr Sunny Chen and progressed key work strengthening theological formation, collaboration, leadership and relationships across the Uniting Church. Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
Uniting Church and PNG Church leaders meet on climate change
Uniting Church and PNG leaders meet on climate change A gathering of church and agency leaders has highlighted the power of churches working together to respond to climate change and care for creationUniting Church and UnitingWorld leaders last week met with counterparts from Papua New Guinea’s seven mainline churches and the PNG Council of Churches…
President’s Season of Creation message
Today, 1 September, marks the beginning of the 2026 Season of Creation, as Christians around the world gather in prayer, reflection and action to celebrate God’s gift of creation and renew their commitment to care for our common home. To mark the beginning of the season, Uniting…
President's reflection: Arise and shine!
President’s reflection: Arise and shine! Last week, President Rev Charissa Suli attended a global gathering of Methodist and Uniting Church women. She carried home stories, wisdom and a renewed call for the Church to shine. The 15th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) brought together Methodist and Uniting Church…
President's Pastoral Prayer for Nepal
President’s Pastoral Prayer for the People of Nepal As we hear of the devastating floods in Nepal, we pause in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected. In the face of lives lost, families separated and communities facing profound uncertainty, we turn to God in prayer. We pray for those who grieve, those still…
Farewell to Rev Lindsay Cullen
The Assembly farewells Rev Lindsay Cullen After almost nine years of faithful presence, imagination and service, Rev Lindsay Cullen is stepping down from the role of Assembly Associate General SecretaryThe Uniting Church community gathered at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney last Thursday to give thanks for the ministry of Rev Lindsay Cullen and formally…