New Circle Advocates
Assembly welcomes two new Advocates for the Circles of Interest
February 15, 2023
Two of the Assembly Circles of Interest have new Advocates stepping into this leadership role.
Rev Jon Humphries has taken up the role of Advocate for the Transforming Worship Circle, while Rev Alex Sangster, the previous Advocate for Transforming Worship, is stepping in as Advocate role for Working for Justice.
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles."
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.
The Assembly Circles provide a platform for learning and sharing in the national work of the church. An Advocate has been appointed to each circle to nurture and encourage activity, conversation and input from circle members.
Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen welcomed the interim appointments which will be in place until the next triennial Assembly in 2024.
“We are delighted that both Jon as a new Advocate and current panel member and Alex as an Advocate from another circle have taken up this call to offer their gifts, their passion and their creativity to support these Circles in contributing to the national life of the Church.”
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles.”
“Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world."
At the same time, the Assembly gives thanks for the contribution of Rev Loni Vaitohi who has been the Advocate of Working for Justice for the past five years.
“We are extremely grateful for Loni’s leadership as the Advocate for the Working for Justice Circle since it began,” said Lindsay. “Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world, especially on climate action and justice for seasonal workers.”
The Advocates came together in Sydney last week with the Assembly Resourcing Unit for the opportunity to plan, collaborate and share inspiration for the work of the Circles in 2023.
The seven Circles and Advocates are:
Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama (Being a Multicultural Church), Rev Dr Matt Wilson (Seeking Common Ground), Rev Jon Humphries (Transforming Worship), Virginia Lavaki (Discipling the Next Generations), Alison Overeem (Walking Together as First and Second Peoples), Rev Alex Sangster (Working for Justice) and Rev Liam Miller (Growing in Faith).
Related news
Assembly Pride Circle: Call for EoIs
Call for Expressions of Interest: Assembly Pride Circle The Assembly Standing Committee has resolved to form an Assembly Circle of Interest for LGBTIQA+ members and allies to work togetherCall for Expressions of Interest Assembly Pride Circle The Uniting Church believes that every person is precious and entitled to live with dignity because they are God’s…
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…
Hubs: We are a Multicultural Church Anniversary
40 years on from ‘We are a Multicultural Church’: National Theological Consultation A three-day National Theological Consultation with hubs around the country will kick off national celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the 1985 statement40th Anniversary of the 1985 ‘The Uniting Church is a Multicultural Church’ Statement National Theological Consultation: 10-12 June 2025 2025 marks…
Film screening: The Golden Chain of Mercy
Film screening: The Golden Chain of Mercy Ground-breaking documentary ‘The Golden Chain of Mercy’, which reveals the untold story of the Australian and New Zealand connection to the Armenian genocideA ground-breaking documentary reveals the untold story of the Australian and New Zealand connection to the Armenian genocide All are invited to an exclusive Uniting Church…
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…
Energy Policy Forum
Energy policy: what are the options? A pre-election forum to be hosted by the Assembly and Uniting Climate with input from the Nature Conservation Council of NSWUnderstanding Energy Policy: What are the options? A Uniting Church conversation Confused about energy and its costs? This online forum can help! Uniting Climate and the Uniting Church National…