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
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
Reflections from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference By Paul WallbankAhead of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, President Rev. Charissa Suli joined Heads of Churches and Christian leaders from across Australia for an Ecumenical Prayer Service hosted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in Sydney last week. Held by the Bishops’ Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue at the Mary MacKillop Memorial…
Standing for Justice
Standing for JusticeThe Uniting Church’s Submission to the Racism InquiryBy Michael ZewdieOn 8 May 2026, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) and the Uniting Church in Australia made a joint submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, which is conducting an inquiry into racism, hatred and violence…
A Weekend of Welcome: The Assembly Pride Circle Gathers for the First Time
By Rev Greer HudsonResponding to both our commitment to being a loving, safe and inclusive Church and the long history of struggle and marginalization of LGBTIQA+ members within the UCA, and guided by resolutions from the 15th,16th and 17th Assemblies, the Assembly Standing Committee resolved to form an Assembly Circle of Interest for LGBTIQA+ members and…
For the Love of Our Neighbours: The UCA's Call to End Fossil Fuels
By UCA minister Rev. Meredith WilliamsThe Uniting Church in Australia has always understood that faith without action is incomplete. Our Assembly Strategy 2026–31 calls us to use our voice and our actions to confront injustice — not just within our own borders, but across the world. Nowhere is that prophetic call more urgent than in…
Breaking Every Yoke: A Reflection from AEYA 2026
Breaking Every Yoke: A Reflection from AEYA 2026By UCA Assembly, Amelia Lavaki and Christian ConolIn May 2026, four young leaders from the Uniting Church in Australia travelled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to take part in the Fifth Asian Ecumenical Youth Assembly (AEYA 2026) — a gathering of young Christians from across Asia united…
A Reflection on the Life of Rev Professor Dr Jione Havea
By President Rev Charissa SuliAll the Scriptures for this week have resonated with us differently today. As the Uniting Church in Australia, we mourn the passing of Jione Havea—a husband, father, brother, colleague, mentor, theologian, and faithful servant of the Church. There’s something about this moment that feels both heavy and sacred.In Acts, we hear of…
Meet Paul Wallbank
By Michael ZewdieThe Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia is pleased to welcome Mr Paul Wallbank as its incoming National Manager, Media and Communications — a significant appointment as the church continues to deepen its public witness and strengthen how it tells its story to the nation. Paul joins the Assembly from a career that…