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
Position available: National Manager - Media and Communications
The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking a highly skilled National Manager, Media and Communications to manage implantation the strategy for media and communications. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a national faith-based organisation, enabling leadership across governance, pastoral presence, and public representation.Subscribe to our newsletterIf…
UCA active and visible at WCRC General Council
UCA delegation renewed to perservere in their witness After playing a prominent role at the WCRC’s General Council, the UCA delegation heads home renewed and uplifted by the shared witness and unity of the gatheringThe Uniting Church in Australia has played an active and visible role at the 27th General Council of the World Communion…
Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community
Val Thurston: Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community Op shops have been part of Australian culture for 100 years. At Corrimal Uniting’s shop, volunteer Val Thurston welcomes with warmth all who walk inThis month marks a remarkable milestone in Australian history: the 100th anniversary of the humble op shop. Once viewed as a…
Fun, fellowship and faith at Vic/Tas family camp
Fun, faith and fellowship as President joins with faith communities for family camp The President joined with families in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania for a weekend family camp on the theme ‘Threads of Inclusion’, inspired by the President’s theme for the trienniumThis article was originally published by Crosslight in the Synod of Victoria…
Changing lives through generosity
Changing lives through generosity Rev Dr Paul Goh recently saw first hand the impact of loving hearts giving generously During his current visit to Thailand as a member of the Uniting Church’s delegation for the World Communion of Reformed Churches’ General Council, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh has shared in a unique presentation hosted…
National History Society Conference held
National History Society Conference meets Big questions were at the heart of the Uniting Church National History Society’s biennial conference held in Canberra earlier this monthby Margaret Reeson, member of the UC National History Society and former Moderator of Synod of NSW and ACT The fifth biennial conference of the Uniting Church National History Society…
Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation
Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation An important online consultation was recently held to examine a new proposal for the Church’s life together 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.…
Uniting Church Assembly statement on the Israel-Hamas peace agreement
Statement on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Peace Agreement Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, has released a statement expressing deep relief and cautious hope following the reaching of a peace agreement last week and the commencement of hostage release on MondayStatement by President Rev Charissa Suli On the ceasefire and peace agreement…