Funeral details for Rev Dr Michelle Cook

A message from Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia

Following the announcement of Funeral Details for beloved Uniting Church minister Rev Dr Michelle Cook

In these days of grief and remembrance for Rev Dr Michelle Cook, General Secretary Andrew Johnson and I have been in continuous prayer, reflecting on the profound expressions of love and solidarity that have come forth across our Uniting Church. We have witnessed how deeply this community has rallied together, creating spaces for prayer, sharing, and mutual support, and it has been a source of comfort to see members and wider communities holding one another as we mourn.

As we prepare to lay Michelle to rest, we are reminded of the hope we hold in Christ. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live." In these words, we find assurance that Michelle, who dedicated her life to the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, now rests in His eternal peace.

Yet, we also acknowledge the sorrow held by those closest to her: Michelle was a beloved daughter, wife, and mother. We continue to lift up her family in our prayers, holding them with compassion as they prepare for her funeral.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the Moderators, ministry agents, and congregations across our church. Your pastoral hearts and the spaces you have created for grief and solace demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. In these times, may we hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, continue to care for one another, offer comfort to those in need, and allow ourselves the time to grieve.

Ke ‘iate kimoutolu ‘ae melino hotau Eiki ko Sisu Kalaisi.
(The peace of Jesus Christ be with you always.)

Ofa lahi atu moe lotu (love and prayers),
Rev Charissa Suli
President of the Uniting Church in Australia

Read the President's Pastoral Statement on Michelle's passing (5 November)

Funeral Details

The Uniting Church Northern Synod has announced that Michelle’s Funeral and Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Thursday 14th November at 10:30am ACST at Nightcliff Uniting Church in Darwin. (9am AWST, 11am AEST, 11:30am ACDT, 12pm AEDT).

The service will be live-streamed via this link.

Several public viewings of Michelle's funeral have been planned around the country to allow people to gather to mourn and celebrate Michelle's life.

Synod of Victoria/Tasmania

Melbourne: 12pm local time, Wesley Place (Level 2, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC)

Melbourne: 12pm local time, Centre for Theology and Ministry (29 College Crescent, Parkville VIC)

Launceston: from 11:45am local time, Pilgrim Uniting Church (34 Paterson St, Launceston TAS)

UAICC Tasmania: from 11am local time, Kingston Uniting Church (42 Jindabyne Rd, Kingston Beach TAS)

Synod of NSW/ACT

12pm local time, Chapel of St Andrew at the Centre for Ministry (16 Masons Dr, North Parramatta NSW)

Synod of South Australia

11:30am local time, Christ Church Wayville (26 King William Rd, Wayville SA)

Synod of Queensland

from 10:30am local time, Indooroopilly Uniting Church (74 Station Rd, Indooroopilly QLD)

Donate

Ex-President Rev Sharon Hollis has established a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs and travel costs, particularly to enable those coming from remote communities to attend. Anything additional raised will be given to Michelle's family to help support them as they adjust to life without her. Donate here.

Tributes to Michelle

The President has arranged for an online condolence book to be established in Michelle’s honour. We encourage you to leave a message here as together we mourn her passing and celebrate her life and legacy. These messages will later be shared with Michelle’s family. Alternatively, you can send your tributes to the Assembly: comms@nat.uca.org.au and we will make sure it's included.