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
Position available: National Manager - Media and Communications
The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking a highly skilled National Manager, Media and Communications to manage implantation the strategy for media and communications. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a national faith-based organisation, enabling leadership across governance, pastoral presence, and public representation.Subscribe to our newsletterIf…
UCA active and visible at WCRC General Council
UCA delegation renewed to perservere in their witness After playing a prominent role at the WCRC’s General Council, the UCA delegation heads home renewed and uplifted by the shared witness and unity of the gatheringThe Uniting Church in Australia has played an active and visible role at the 27th General Council of the World Communion…
Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community
Val Thurston: Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community Op shops have been part of Australian culture for 100 years. At Corrimal Uniting’s shop, volunteer Val Thurston welcomes with warmth all who walk inThis month marks a remarkable milestone in Australian history: the 100th anniversary of the humble op shop. Once viewed as a…
Fun, fellowship and faith at Vic/Tas family camp
Fun, faith and fellowship as President joins with faith communities for family camp The President joined with families in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania for a weekend family camp on the theme ‘Threads of Inclusion’, inspired by the President’s theme for the trienniumThis article was originally published by Crosslight in the Synod of Victoria…
Changing lives through generosity
Changing lives through generosity Rev Dr Paul Goh recently saw first hand the impact of loving hearts giving generously During his current visit to Thailand as a member of the Uniting Church’s delegation for the World Communion of Reformed Churches’ General Council, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh has shared in a unique presentation hosted…
National History Society Conference held
National History Society Conference meets Big questions were at the heart of the Uniting Church National History Society’s biennial conference held in Canberra earlier this monthby Margaret Reeson, member of the UC National History Society and former Moderator of Synod of NSW and ACT The fifth biennial conference of the Uniting Church National History Society…
Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation
Exploring the possibility of intercultural transformation An important online consultation was recently held to examine a new proposal for the Church’s life together 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.…
Uniting Church Assembly statement on the Israel-Hamas peace agreement
Statement on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Peace Agreement Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, has released a statement expressing deep relief and cautious hope following the reaching of a peace agreement last week and the commencement of hostage release on MondayStatement by President Rev Charissa Suli On the ceasefire and peace agreement…
