Being a Safe Church in CyberspaceAs we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic we are increasingly using various online platforms to stay connected with our colleagues, congregations, students, clients, families and friends. The ability to connect and stay in touch during these uncertain times is hugely beneficial and we must continue to take steps […]
National Redress Scheme – One Year OnThe Uniting Church in Australia is marking a year since joining the Federal Government’s National Redress Scheme (NRS) for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.“The occurrence of abuse in our institutions is part of our history. We do not hide from it but commit to continuing to learn from […]
Arrangements for Holy CommunionThe Assembly has received a number of requests to consider the possibility of Uniting Church congregations conducting Holy Communion online during this period of self-isolation and physical distancing during the Covid-19 crisis.The Assembly is considering this and the Assembly Standing Committee will make a decision by close of business Friday 3 April […]
Support for the most vulnerableThe President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Dr Deidre Palmer, has today written to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison MP, seeking assurances that all people currently living in Australia, who have no means to return to home countries and no income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, receive adequate […]
Staying updatedThe fast spread of coronavirus COVID-19 and the rapidly changing official responses makes for a challenging communications environment.Uniting Church Synods have set up web pages for people seeking information or resources in their area. Please refer to the following Synod pages in your local area for the latest information on the church response.NSW/ACT COVID-19 HUBNorthern […]
ASC Update-March 2020Members of Assembly Standing Committee gathered in Sydney from 13-15 March. President Dr Deidre Palmer and Rev Kath Merrifield of Kiama Uniting Church led opening worship, which included a coronavirus-aware sharing of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Dr Palmer preached on John 3:1-17. Assembly Strategic PlanThe ASC approved a new three-year Assembly Strategic Plan […]
Uniting In AdversityUniting Churches around the country will either close their doors or hold limited worship this Sunday, as we adapt to life in the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.Australian people, governments, companies and institutions have struggled through a tumultuous and occasionally chaotic few weeks, during which the virus has continued to spread locally, sparking panic […]
Our Vision RevisitedAround 30 people who are engaged in justice work across the Uniting Church met via videoconference this week to bring together the work we do and focus on our national priorities.Participants included people engaged in justice work from every Synod, our church agencies across the UnitingCare network, Frontier Services and UnitingWorld, Uniting Aboriginal […]
A Pastoral Response to the PandemicDear sisters and brothers in Christ,As the global pandemic of coronavirus COVID-19 continues to unfold, now, more than ever, as followers of Jesus, we are called to embody God’s love and compassion in our world.I know from the stories you are sharing, that many of you are creatively responding to […]
Each for Equal – IWD2020The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Each for Equal.” It asks us how we will forge a gender equal world, and urges us to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.During my time as President, I have been inspired by the women I have […]