Rev Charissa Suli
President of the Uniting Church in Australia
Rev Charissa Suli stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, serving as the 17th President of the Uniting Church in Australia. Her election is a historic milestone as she becomes the youngest person, the first person of non-Anglo-Celtic background, and the first of Pacifica heritage to hold this esteemed position.
Rev Suli’s leadership is deeply rooted in her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, community building, and transformative ministry. She embodies these principles with empathy, grace, and resilience, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Her journey into ministry was inspired by the pioneering women clergy within the Uniting Church, particularly those of Pacific Islander and Asian heritage. Witnessing their leadership ignited her own vocation. This profound sense of purpose was affirmed in 2014 when she was ordained as a Minister of the Word.
Throughout her ministry, Rev Suli has held significant roles across the Uniting Church. Her leadership has been demonstrated in positions such as Deputy Executive Minister and Presbytery Minister with the Sydney Presbytery, National Consultant with the Uniting Church Assembly, Congregational Minister at Dapto Uniting Church, and Cross-Cultural Consultant within the NSW-ACT Synod.
Under her guidance, the Uniting Church in Australia continues to move forward with a renewed commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and unwavering faith, weaving together the diverse threads of its community into a unified and loving tapestry that reflects the deep love of God found in Christ.
She has also been deeply involved in the Tongan National Conference, serving as convenor of the Second-Generation Committee for 10 years, where she nurtured emerging leaders, fostered intercultural and intergenerational ministry, and bridged the gap between first and second generations.
Her academic achievements underscore her dedication to theological education and ministry. Alongside her Bachelor of Theology, Rev Suli holds a Graduate Diploma in Ministry and is nearing the completion of her master’s in theological studies. Her recent minor thesis, focusing on “Racism in the Uniting Church in Australia: Towards a New Way of Being the Body of Christ,” reflects her deep commitment to justice and equity within both the church and broader society.
Guided by the 17th Assembly theme 'Threads of Love: Weaving Christ's Love Across Cultures and Boundaries', Rev Suli’s presidency draws from the Tongan tradition of weaving the Fala (mat), symbolising the interconnectedness of the diverse strands that make up the church. Her vision calls for the church to embrace diversity and unity, reflect deeply on its identity as the body of Christ, and work towards healing and transformation in areas of inequality and injustice.
Rev Suli’s personal journey is one of resilience and faith. She has overcome significant challenges, including early motherhood and the social and cultural expectations that accompanied it. With the support of her husband, mother and unwavering faith in God, she transitioned from a successful career in finance and marketing to answering her call to ministry, demonstrating courage and dedication to her faith.
Living in Sydney with her husband and their four children, Rev Suli finds joy in creating meaningful family traditions, taking long walks along the beach, and celebrating life's simple moments together.
Rev Charissa Suli’s leadership as President is not just a personal achievement but a profound symbol of the Uniting Church’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the transformative power of Christ’s love. Her presidency inspires both the public and members of the Uniting Church to embody these values in their lives and communities.
Under her guidance, the Uniting Church in Australia continues to move forward with a renewed commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and unwavering faith, weaving together the diverse threads of its community into a unified and loving tapestry that reflects the deep love of God found in Christ.
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News from the Uniting Church President
The UCA congratulates the Catholic church on a new Pope
The Uniting Church in Australia congratulates the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV The historic election gives the worldwide Catholic Church its first Pope born in the United States of AmericaStatement from the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly on the Election of a New Pope Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli…
Welcome to Country: an ancient, sacred ritual
Welcome to Country: a sacred ritual inviting us all into deeper relationship with this ancient land Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has written a response after two deeply hurtful events related to Welcome to Country ceremonies on Friday sparked painful debate about the place of the custom in public life Rev Charissa Suli, President…
Media release: Palestinian Visas
Uniting Church National Assembly response: Palestinian Visas The Uniting Church National Assembly has responded to an election commitment by the Opposition Leader that visas for Palestinians from Gaza should be reassessed MEDIA RELEASE – 24 APRIL 2025 The Uniting Church in Australia strongly opposes Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s election commitment yesterday that under a Coalition…
Statement on the passing of Pope Francis
“A shepherd of grace and compassion” Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli extends the deepest condolences of the Uniting Church in Australia to the Catholic Church upon the passing of Pope Francis, and pays tribute to the spiritual leader A Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church…
President's Conference 2025
President’s Conference 2025 President Rev Charissa Suli has announced a President’s Conference to take place from 6-9 November in TongaPresident’s Conference 2025 6-9 November Nuku’alofa, Tonga Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has announced a President’s Conference will be held from 6-9 November 2025 at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. This conference is…
President's Letter to the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand
“What a powerful witness your ordinations will be” President Rev Charissa Suli has written a letter of prayerful solidarity and support to Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand Bishop Paul Smith, as the Church prepares to ordain its first women Pastors Image: Maria Rudolph (left) and Sue Westhorp (right) are set to become the…
President's Easter Message 2025
“Do not linger in the shadows of fear and despair” Uniting Church Easter messages 2025 Easter messages from the President and Moderators of the Uniting Church in AustraliaThe 2025 Easter message from Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli is now here to give hope and inspiration to your Easter season! Inspired by the…
Constitutional Court ruling in South Korea
President’s statement on Constitutional Court of Korea ruling Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has shared a statement and prayer after the Constitutional Court of Korea upheld the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol A Pastoral Statement on the Constitutional Court’s Ruling in South Korea Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in…
Joint Statement: 2025 Federal Election
Joint Statement: 2025 Federal Election Leaders in the Uniting Church Assembly, UnitingCare Australia, UnitingWorld and Frontier Services have joined together to welcome the upcoming Federal Election and announce the launch of Uniting Church justice resource Our Vision for a Just AustraliaJoint Statement Uniting Church Assembly, UnitingCare Australia, UnitingWorld and Frontier Services Welcoming the announcement of…
Prayers for earthquake recovery in Myanmar
Prayers rising for Myanmar following magnitude 7.7 earthquake President Rev Charissa Suli has shared this message and prayer following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake which killed over 1,700 people in central Myanmar and injured thousands of othersRev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, has shared this pastoral message and prayer with the Church…
ASC meets in March
Assembly Standing Committee meets for first time in 2025 The ASC met in Sydney over the weekend of 14-16 March to continue its governance and oversight of the Uniting Church Assembly written by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary On the weekend of 14-16 March the Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) met together at Mary MacKillop Place…
Commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
Assembly to host national service of commemoration for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide mm Members of the Uniting Church are invited to join with the Assembly, the Armenian Missionary Association Of Australia (AMAA) and the wider Armenian community in marking the Armenian Genocide this April. This year marks 110 years since the Genocide…