Historic first gathering for New National Commission
The Assembly’s new Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration met for the first time, beginning a vital journey of renewal, connection, and faithful stewardship across the life of the Church
July 19, 2025
by Michelle Farrall, Interim Executive Officer of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration
The Uniting Church in Australia's Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration came together for the very first time on 8 July 2025 in Melbourne, marking a significant milestone in the Church's renewal journey following the 17th Assembly.
It was an enriching day where members got to know one another, grounded in shared hope for the Uniting Church. The meeting included worship and reflection on the journey to this point, embracing the Assembly's mandate to realise the vision:
A network of deeply connected councils responding to God's call to enter more fully into mission through healthy oversight of ministry and mission, celebrating our diverse and shared identity, being faithful stewards of our common life and wealth.
Commission members discussed the need to understand the current responsibilities and resourcing among the councils of the Church, and to invite perspectives and feedback from across the life of the Church. The group holds the diversity of engagement with God's call across the Church together with fostering faithful stewardship and connection.
Members include Chair Rev David Fotheringham, Rev Dr Adam McIntosh, Alison Xamon, Rev Jane Fry, Rev Janet Staines, Rev Jay Robinson, Rev Sue Page, Anton van Bavel, Emily Evans, Rev Peter Overton, Scott McDonald, Rev Stephanie Tai; Dr Jessica Hateley-Browne and Mark Waters (UnitingCare Australia); Kym Korbe and Nathan Tyson (Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress); with Assembly President Rev Charissa Suli and Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson as associated non-voting members. The Commission unanimously agreed to co-opt three members: Dr Myles McGregor-Lowndes, Lt Cl Rev Alamoti Lavaki and Rev David Dong Won Kim. All three have agreed to join.
The Commission, under Chair David Fotheringham's leadership, humbly asks for people across the Uniting Church to continue praying as they undertake this important work. The next meeting is planned for October, with further updates to be shared in due course.
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.
Read more Assembly news
Season of Creation 2025 has begun!
Season of Creation 2025 calls us to ‘peace with creation’ Find a range of resources on this page #seasonofcreationUCA #peacewithcreation Throughout September and into early October, millions of Christians across the world are marking the Season of Creation, an annual invitation to pray, reflect and act in care for the Earth -…
MCIF Conference: shared mission across oceans
Shared mission across oceans The 190th MCIF Conference provided an opportunity to strengthen ties across the Pacific through worship and prayer, as well as dialogue on faith, justice and discipleshipLast week, the 190th annual conference of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma (MCIF) was held in Suva, where President Rev Charissa Suli represented the…
Faith leaders call for generosity in overseas aid
Faith leaders call for generosity in overseas aid UCA’s UnitingWorld among delegation to lobby Federal parliamentariansby Marcus Campbell, Communications Manager at UnitingWorld Last week, Dr Sureka Goringe, National Director of the UCA agency UnitingWorld, joined the Micah Australia Women Leaders Delegation in Canberra for three days of advocacy meetings with Members of Parliament from across…
Position Available: Administration and Comms Officer - Act2 Commissions
Position Available: Administration & Communications Officer – Act2 Commissions Use your administration and communications skills in a purpose-driven initiative. Apply by 19 SeptemberAdministration & Communications Officer – Act2 Commissions Uniting Church in Australia Assembly The Uniting Church in Australia is embarking on a bold journey of renewal through the Act2 Project – a whole-of-Church initiative…
Webinar consultation: Decade of Intercultural Transformation Proposal
Consultation on a proposal for Uniting Decade of Intercultural Transformation Co-hosted by the Assembly Being a Multicultural Church Circle and the Assembly Resourcing Unit, join this webinar exploring an exciting possibility You’re invited! Consultation on a proposal for a Uniting Decade of Intercultural Transformation Following a joyful celebration of the 40th anniversary of…
Online meeting the first for new National Commission
New National Commission gathers for first time The Assembly’s new Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the first time, beginning a vital journey of renewal, connection, and faithful stewardship across the life of the Church by Dr Damian Palmer, Executive Officer of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership The Uniting…
A statement from the UnitingCare Australia Board
A statement from the Board of UnitingCare Australia A statement from the Board of UnitingCare Australia 21 August 2025 After almost nine years of distinguished service to UnitingCare Australia and the UnitingCare network, our National Director Claerwen Little has tendered her resignation to pursue opportunities in consulting and advisory. She will continue in…
Interfaith groups gather to pray for peace in Palestine
Prayer vigil brings people of various faiths together In a telling display of unity, compassion and shared humanity, interfaith communities gathered for a solemn prayer vigil for peace and justice in Palestine Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our…