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
Rev Mark Kickett steps down as UAICC Chair
Rev Mark Kickett steps down as UAICC Chairperson After a long affiliation with the UAICC, Rev Mark Kickett farewelled Congress earlier this month Rev Mark Kickett has stepped down as National Chair of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), concluding his service on 1 March. Rev Kickett served in the role since…
A Call to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
A Call to Prayer for Peace in the Middle EastThis morning, the World Council of Churches expressed grave concern over escalating military attacks in the Middle East and called for an immediate cessation of violence, the protection of civilian populations, and renewed diplomatic engagement. As part of the global fellowship of churches, the Uniting Church…
Introducing the new National Director of UnitingCare Australia
Introducing UnitingCare Australia’s new National Director Tamara Thomas brings international experience and a passion for justice to her new role leading UnitingCare AustraliaLast week, UnitingCare Australia welcomed a leader whose career has taken her from Noosa Heads to Geneva and from grassroots advocacy to the corridors of the United Nations. Tamara Thomas steps into the…
Walking through life with our ADF personnel
Walking through life with our ADF personnel In a room rich with history at Admiralty House, Rev Kaye Ronalds reflected on faith, service and the vital pastoral care chaplains offer Defence personnel and familiesLast week, Rev Kaye Ronalds, a Uniting Church Chaplain in the Australian Defence Force, found herself in a room steeped in history…
A Lenten Invitation from the President
by Rev Charissa Suli, President Uniting Church in Australia Beloved Church, The Lenten season is not about giving up chocolate. It is not about surviving forty days without coffee. If that is all we do, we have missed the invitation. We begin this season in a world that feels tense and fragile. There…
Fairness, not just Growth, is the key to Productivity
Fairness, not just growth, is the key to productivity As the Federal Government sharpens its focus on productivity, President Rev Charissa Suli contends that it must be grounded in fairness, justice and human dignity to truly strengthen Australia’s economySubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia…
A Reflection on the 5th Global Peace Summit
From Bangkok to a New Calling Attending the 5th Global Peace Summit in Bangkok last month, Emelia Haskey discovered that peacebuilding is deeply personal – and that justice begins within our own circle of influence. by Emelia Haskey, Global Peace Ambassador The opportunity to attend the 5th Global Peace Summit at the United Nations…
Uniting and Lutheran Churches hold first Dialogue meeting of 2026
Uniting and Lutheran Churches meet for DialogueSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.Statement following LCA-UCA Dialogue meeting on Wednesday 11 February 2026 The Uniting Church, as a part of its commitment to the unity of the…