Focusing our Shared Life on Local Communities Responding to God’s Call
The Assembly’s new CGRA held its first meeting of 2026 last week, where they explored governance and resourcing reforms to better support local communities responding faithfully and sustainably to God’s call in mission.
February 11, 2026
by Dr Paul Minty, Executive Officer of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration
The Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration (CGRA) held a meeting on 1-2 February in Melbourne, to worship and discern how the UCA’s governance, resourcing and administration can more effectively support local communities responding to God’s call into mission.
Drawing on recent consultations, the Commission considered congregational and presbytery needs, financial and staffing pressures, and the risks of retaining current structures. Members explored several structural reform models, testing them in workshops and small groups. They emphasised flexibility for diverse contexts, a strong focus on proclaiming the gospel, and governance arrangements that more clearly serve the Church’s mission.
Resourcing was a central concern. Members discussed funding models to strengthen presbyteries, encourage growth, and create sustainable national mechanisms. They stressed the importance of clarity, fairness, long-term viability, and a theological understanding of resourcing as enabling mission, rather than an end in itself.
The meeting concluded with agreed next steps for consultation with Synods, Presbyteries, Congress, Conferences, agencies and other groups. Members described the time together as hopeful, collaborative and encouraging, and indicated that further updates will be shared.
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