New National Commission gathers for first time
The Assembly’s new Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the first time, beginning a vital journey of renewal, connection, and faithful stewardship across the life of the Church
August 21, 2025
by Dr Damian Palmer, Executive Officer of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership
The Uniting Church in Australia's Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the very first time on 11 August 2025 online, marking a significant milestone in the Church's renewal journey following the 17th Assembly.
The meeting included worship and reflection on the journey to this point, embracing the Assembly's mandate to realise the vision:
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.
Members had an opportunity to get to know one another and spent time identifying initial priorities for the work of the Commission. At the top of the list is working with the Standards for Ministries Committee to transition responsibilities from that Committee to the Commission by the end of this year.
Members include Chair Rev Dr Cathie Lambert, Rev Dr Peter Armstrong, Rev Prof Vicky Balabanski, Rev Andrew Broadbent, Rev Dr Seforosa Carroll, Rev Mark Cornford, Rev A/Prof Kylie Crabbe, Dr Scott Downman, Rev Nicole Fleming, Rev Dr Linda Hamill, Rev Dr Peter Hobson, Rev Jennifer Hughes, Elizabeth John, Rev Jason Kioa, Sono Leone, Rev Duncan Macleod, Dr Chris Phillips, Rev Ken Sumner and Rev Dr Peter Walker; with Assembly President Rev. Charissa Suli and Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson as associated non-voting members.
The Commission, under Chair Cathie Lambert’s leadership, humbly asks for people across the Uniting Church to continue praying as they undertake this important work. The next meeting is planned for September, with further updates to be shared in due course.
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
Repairers of the Breach, Bearers of the Light: President reflection
Repairers of the Breach, Bearers of the Light: President Reflections on her Ormond Uniting Church visit Rev Charissa Suli attended Ormond Uniting in Melbourne’s south-east to celebrate the dedication and reopening of their church bulding after a long and trying journeyby Rev Charissa Suli, President, Uniting Church in Australia I continue to reflect on my…
Calling for nominations: Women of the Uniting Church
Calling for nominations: Celebrating women of the Uniting Church Help us honour the remarkable women of the Uniting Church this International Women’s Day Celebrating Uniting Church Women for International Women’s Day 2026 Every day, in every place across the Uniting Church, women are leading, empowering and inspiring in our church communities and beyond. To mark…
Focusing our Shared Life on Local Communities Responding to God’s Call
Focusing our Shared Life on Local Communities Responding to God’s Call The Assembly’s new CGRA held its first meeting of 2026 last week, where they explored governance and resourcing reforms to better support local communities responding faithfully and sustainably to God’s call in mission. by Dr Paul Minty, Executive Officer of the Commission…
Assembly's new strategy for 2026–31: Third Strategic Goal explained
The 2026-31 Strategy: Third Strategic Goal explained In this third article on the Assembly’s 2026–31 Strategy, Andrew Johnson reflects on Liberating Justice – renewing the Church’s long-held commitment to confronting injustice through faithful witness, collective action and hope-filled engagement in Australia and the world by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary This year, the National…
Position available: National Director - Frontier Services
The Uniting Church in Australia’s bush ministry agency, Frontier Services, is seeking a National Director to lead its mission supporting remote and regional communities across Australia. This is a rare opportunity to combine values-led leadership, national fundraising accountability and service to some of the country’s most isolated communities.National Director – Frontier…
This is my Uniting Church: Engadine UC
This is my Uniting Church Engadine Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we shine the spotlight on a Uniting Church located in southern Sydney. It’s on…
Rob Floyd stepping down as National Director of Frontier Services
Rob Floyd to step down from Frontier Services The head of the bush ministry agency will retire from the role in late MarchAfter almost three years as National Director of Frontier Services, Rob Floyd has announced he will step down from the role following the next Board meeting on 31 March. Over the past month,…
Assembly's new strategy for 2026–31: Second Strategic Goal explained
The 2026-31 Strategy: Second Strategic Goal explained As the Assembly launches its new five-year strategy, General Secretary Andrew Johnson introduces the Strategic Goals – in this article, the second called Thriving Communities by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary In 2026, the National Assembly has commenced its new strategy for the period 2026–31, centred on…