New Commission Members announced
Following the naming of the new Chair of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration and new Chair of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership, the Members for these two Commissions have now been approved.
June 12, 2025
The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of Members to contribute to the work of the two new National Commissions.
Established by the 17th Assembly out of a suite of proposals from the Act2 Project, these Commissions are key to the Church’s vision for renewal and for faithful life and discipleship in contemporary Australia.
Appointed to the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration are the following members:
- Rev Dr Adam McIntosh
- Alison Xamon
- Rev Jane Fry
- Rev Janet Staines
- Rev Jay Robinson
- Rev Sue Page
- Anton van Bavel
- Emily Evans
- Rev Peter Overton
- Scott McDonald
- Rev Stephanie Tai
- Dr Jessica Hateley-Browne
- Mark Waters
- Prof Myles McGregor Lowndes
This Commission, chaired by Rev David Fotheringham, is tasked with progressing the vision of a network of deeply connected councils that respond to God’s call through healthy oversight of ministry and mission, celebrating the Church's diverse and shared identity, and being faithful stewards of its common life and wealth.
The Commission will work collaboratively with all councils, agencies, and institutions of the Church to prioritise sharing resources for the benefit of the whole Church. It will also explore governance models and bring proposals for implementation to the 18th Assembly.
Appointed to the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership, are the following members:
- Rev Duncan Macleod
- Rev Dr Linda Hamill
- Rev Jenny Hughes
- Andrew Broadbent
- Rev Dr Peter Hobson
- Rev Dr Seforosa Carroll
- Rev Dr Peter Walker
- Rev A/Prof Kylie Crabbe
- Dr Scott Downman
- Rev Prof Vicky Balabanski
- Chris Phillips
- Rev Mark Cornford
- Elizabeth John
- Rev Dr Peter Armstrong
- Rev Jason Kioa
- Rev Nicole Fleming
This Commission, chaired by Rev Dr Cathie Lambert, is charged with leading the implementation of the vision for a National Network for Theology, Formation and Leadership. The vision encompasses a visible and accessible network of intentional communities engaged in lifelong learning to equip people to courageously follow Jesus and participate in God’s mission in contemporary Australia.
The Commission will have the authority to work with Ministerial Education Boards to govern and oversee the Uniting Church’s provision of theological education, discipleship, leadership training, and ministry formation.
Each Commission will also include two members appointed by the UAICC, and will have the power to co-opt extra members to add members with particular needed skills, experiences or backgrounds.
To read more on the previous announcement of the appointments of Rev Fotheringham and Rev Dr Lambert, click on the button below.
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.
Read more Assembly news
President's Pastoral Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
President’s Pastoral Prayer for Pope Leo XIV By President Rev Charissa SuliAs we hold Pope Leo XIV in our prayers during this time of illness and recovery, we join with our Catholic siblings in Christ or Catholic Community around the world expressing our ecumenical solidarity and care. As part of the wider Christian Church, we share…
'We are all clay jars' - a reflection on National Mental Health Week
13 October 2026 A reflection on National Mental Health Week from the General Secretary, Andrew Johnson. Read more about the initiatives around Mental Health at the National Mental Health Commission and about global efforts at the UN World Mental Health Day page. Eight days without sleep. A head filled with ideas. Not feeling tired.…
A Covenant that changes us
By Michael ZewdieInaugural Rev Dr Michelle Cook Lecture connects deep listening with the call to share power, enact justice and learn together.“Covenant is not a statement the church makes about relationship. Covenant is a relationship that changes the church.” — Rev Ken SumnerSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the…
Hannah Jackson Commissioned to Lead National Advocacy and Justice Ministry
The National Assembly’s Director of Advocacy and Justice, Hannah Jackson, was commissioned during worship at her home congregation, Ipswich Uniting Church in Queensland on Sunday. Led by Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson, the service featured a sermon from Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli, drawing on the theme “Built Together” as part of…
A confident nation does not fear diversity - President's statement on immigration policy
7 October, 2026 Immigration policy sits at the core of who we are as a country, and the kind of Australia we want to be. This week’s Coalition policy announcement advocating significantly reduced net overseas migration is deeply concerning because of its implications for our cultural diversity and our identity as a nation. As Australians…
Three years on: A message and prayer for peace
Three years on: A message and prayer for peace Image: Church of the Ascension, seen from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Photo by Albin Hillert/WCC A pastoral message from Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, on the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks in Israel…
Uniting Church urges Australia to stand with Pacific on fossil fuels
Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to turn Australia’s commitment to its Pacific neighbours into action by backing a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels. Rev Suli is among 80 senior Australian faith leaders who have signed an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to support a…
Kulini… Are you listening?
Kulini… Are you listening?Northern Synod gathers for four days of worship, deep listening and discernment By Micheal ZewdieThe 48th Northern Synod brought members of the Uniting Church together in Darwin for four days of worship, conversation, discernment and celebration, with the invitation “Kulini… are you listening?” providing a thread through the gathering.“The invitation at the heart…
