Marking 40 years of being a Multicultural Church

Her challenge was clear: the Church must now move from being merely multicultural in description to becoming intercultural in practice.

“Let us be the mat – the fala* – woven together with love, grace and care,” she urged. “The Spirit has not finished with us yet.”

Throughout the day, voices of those who witnessed the original declaration and those continuing the journey offered reflections. Rev Dr John Brown, who drafted the 1985 statement, spoke alongside Seongja Crowe, the first National Director of Multicultural Ministries, and international guest The Right Rev Dr Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of the United Church of Canada. In total, 25 presenters shared insights from across generations and cultures.

In his keynote address, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh honoured the pioneers who helped form a theological foundation where cultural and linguistic diversity is celebrated as a divine gift. He celebrated the Church’s growth – more than 200 culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) congregations worshipping in over 40 languages, 14 National Conferences, expanded cross-cultural training and increasingly diverse leadership. “We are no longer just dreaming,” he said, “We are living parts of the vision”.

Yet Rev Dr Goh was clear about the work still ahead. We remain a Church predominantly filled with Australian-born members of British descent, lagging behind other areas of society in reflecting Australia’s rich cultural diversity.

Rev Dr Goh proposed that we declare a “Decade of Intercultural Transformation” from 2026 to 2035. “This transformation must be deeply rooted in a robust theological foundation and imagination, and guided by the principles of inclusion, mutual reciprocity, interculturality, just hospitality, and partnership.”

He added that this bold vision invites the Church to deepen its covenant with First Peoples and seek a more inclusive, reconciled community.

The second day shifted to theological reflection on the current direction of the Church, particularly the NSW/ACT Synod’s sixth direction: ‘Living Cross-Culturally as a Multicultural, Intercultural Church’.

Four academic and practitioner papers were presented, exploring this direction through biblical, theological, historical, and practical lenses. Through conversation and challenge, participants explored how living cross-culturally must become more than theory – it must shape the Church’s daily life, leadership, worship, and mission.

The final day focused on the theme ‘Being a Multicultural Church: 40 Years On and Beyond!’ Six papers were presented by voices from across the country, delving into themes like intercultural theology and education, second-generation youth, anti-racism, and reconciliation. A common thread emerged – transformation must involve intentional structures, deep listening and power-sharing with both CALD communities and First Peoples.

As the consultation closed, participants left with renewed purpose. The Spirit continues to call the Uniting Church to be a community where all are woven together in Christ’s love, justice and the hope of God’s Kingdom – diverse, yet united. 

* A fala in Tongan refers to a woven mat diverse in texture and colour. The fala signifies family, grounding and safety.