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.
Approved Images
These images of President Rev Charissa Suli are approved for public, non-commercial use in contexts which promote the work of the Uniting Church and the ministry of the President. Any other use requires the approval of the Assembly.
President's Biography
This biography of President Rev Charissa Suli can be used and adapted for promotional purposes.
News from the Uniting Church President
Lay Preachers gather to share in weaving Christ’s love
Lay Preachers gather to share in weaving Christ’s loveMore than 40 Lay Preachers, worship leaders and church members from across Australia gathered in Naarm/Melbourne from 4–6 September for the National Lay Preachers’ Conference. Hosted by the Lay Preachers’ Association of Victoria and Tasmania with Pilgrim Theological College, the triennial conference was…
President joins Pacific women leaders in Tuvalu
President joins Pacific women leaders for gathering in TuvaluUniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli is in Tuvalu this week, joining women leaders from across the Pacific for a regional gathering exploring the connections between faith, gender and climate justice. Hosted by the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) Church in Funafuti, the Tuākoi Lei – Faith, Gender…
President’s Season of Creation message
Today, 1 September, marks the beginning of the 2026 Season of Creation, as Christians around the world gather in prayer, reflection and action to celebrate God’s gift of creation and renew their commitment to care for our common home. To mark the beginning of the season, Uniting…
President's reflection: Arise and shine!
President’s reflection: Arise and shine! Last week, President Rev Charissa Suli attended a global gathering of Methodist and Uniting Church women. She carried home stories, wisdom and a renewed call for the Church to shine. The 15th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) brought together Methodist and Uniting Church…
President's Pastoral Prayer for Nepal
President’s Pastoral Prayer for the People of Nepal As we hear of the devastating floods in Nepal, we pause in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected. In the face of lives lost, families separated and communities facing profound uncertainty, we turn to God in prayer. We pray for those who grieve, those still…
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided World
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided WorldThe Uniting Church President, Rev Charissa Suli, recently visited Eastwood Uniting Church in Sydney’s north west, where she preached and shared Holy Communion as the congregation celebrated its 2026 theme, TOGETHER. The theme reflects the congregation’s rich intercultural life, bringing together English, Korean and Chinese-speaking worshippers, alongside people…
President's reflection: How can we love our neighbours well?
President’s Reflection: Threads of Love in Hobart and beyond God’s mission has always been shared. At Hobart North Uniting, President Rev Charissa Suli witnessed how different gifts and callings can weave together to love our neighbours well. During a recent visit to Hobart North Uniting Church, President Rev Charissa Suli was encouraged by a congregation asking…
Presbytery leaders gathers in Hobart
Presbytery leaders gather in Hobart 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. more than The Uniting Church’s National Presbytery Ministers Gathering 2026 brought more than 35 leaders from every state and territory…
Vale Rev Dr John Brown AM
Vale Rev Dr John Brown AM: a faithful pioneer of the Uniting ChurchIt is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rev Dr John Brown AM, one of the Uniting Church in Australia’s most influential leaders, who died last Friday, 17 July, at the age of 92. A faithful servant…
Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action
Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action The Uniting Church in Australia has renewed its partnership with the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) this week, reaffirming a shared commitment to faith, solidarity and climate justice as Tuvalu faces an increasingly uncertain future. On the low-lying islands of Tuvalu, climate change is not a…
Broome UC: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley
Broome Uniting: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley Next month the Broome Uniting Church celebrates a centenary of worship in its current church building. Wendy Hendry from the Synod of WA recently travelled to the neighbouring Northern Synod to learn more about the church and its people This article was first published…
President's Message for NAIDOC Week and the anniversary of the UAICC Covenant
President’s Message for NAIDOC Week and the anniversary of the UAICC Covenant Today, 10 July, marks the 32nd anniversary of the Convenant between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. With today’s anniversary and the current NAIDOC Week, the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev…