Humans of the Uniting Church

What’s your Uniting Church story?

Having a Methodist background from my upbringing in Fiji, entering the Uniting Church was easy. Whilst living in St Mary’s in Western Sydney, I attended a few services at Rooty Hill UC, a Fijian congregation. Moved to Fairfield not long after and started attending Abbotsbury UC in a more diverse congregation.

It was here that so many questions about faith and spirituality started to sprout. I had entered a space both familiar and unknown, leaving me curious, challenged and at the same time marvelling. This journey continues at Burwood-Croydon UC, and one where I have become comfortable in my skin, found a sense of belonging, and continued to discern the call of God in my life. Through the UC, I have found a home away from home, where all are welcomed, celebrated and loved.

What enlivens your faith in Jesus?

I love how humbling it is to discover that worship goes beyond the four corners of our church buildings and even in these buildings styles of worship are so beautifully diverse. I love that God is revealed differently in people's lives and nature. Entering places and spaces of worship where language and traditions are different from my own I find rather enriching. Knowing little is something I have been celebrating in my faith journey, leaving me open to learning and growing. I continue to find God in unusual spaces, and in people’s stories, irrespective of caste, creed and religious affinity. I delight and am empowered through these stories told through art, music, and conversation during church, and outside of church.

Basically, sharing in community and worship enlivens my faith.

What’s one thing happening in your community that’s really exciting for you?

Through my membership in the Uniting Church, I have become more ecumenical. I represent the Uniting Church in the Regional Ecumenical Youth Council which is a council under the Pacific Conference of Churches. Through this membership, together with young people from the Pacific and First Nation Peoples, I have entered Parliament and had conversations with our politicians at Canberra. This took place in November last year and I'm looking forward to the next one this year. It is a privilege to be a part of this, to voice the cries of my people to those who make decisions that ultimately affect our survival. Loving our neighbour is more than just words in sacred texts or something we preach but is put into action.

What’s one thing you love telling people about the Uniting Church?

The Uniting Church is a safe church! A safe church where one can come as they are, embraced with genuine love and when challenged, find encouragement and be held with assurance of peace and hope. I love sharing my story of how my UC family has been there in times when I have been so lonely and shattered. My UC family continues to reassure me and everyone who comes to the church, member or not, of their belovedness by God.

What's one thing you'd like to change, or something you hope for?

I hope that churches find encouragement and support to engage in ecumenical and interfaith spaces in their communities - finding God in the faith of others.

What's one thing you would like the rest of the Uniting Church to pray for?

To pray and strive for climate justice and to remember people at the forefront facing the impacts of climate change and global warming daily. Pray that the church and Australia provide hope and refuge for those who need a safer home.