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
President joins Pacific women leaders in Tuvalu
President joins Pacific women leaders for gathering in TuvaluUniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli is in Tuvalu this week, joining women leaders from across the Pacific for a regional gathering exploring the connections between faith, gender and climate justice. Hosted by the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) Church in Funafuti, the Tuākoi Lei – Faith, Gender…
Frontier Services attend National Bush Summit
National Bush Summit 2026 Frontier Services joined national conversations on the future of rural and remote Australia, listening to communities and advocating for practical, compassionate change 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…
August Update from Theology, Formation and Leadership Commission
August update from Act2 TFL Commission The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership welcomed Rev Dr Sunny Chen and progressed key work strengthening theological formation, collaboration, leadership and relationships across the Uniting Church. Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
Uniting Church and PNG Church leaders meet on climate change
Uniting Church and PNG leaders meet on climate change A gathering of church and agency leaders has highlighted the power of churches working together to respond to climate change and care for creationUniting Church and UnitingWorld leaders last week met with counterparts from Papua New Guinea’s seven mainline churches and the PNG Council of Churches…
President’s Season of Creation message
Today, 1 September, marks the beginning of the 2026 Season of Creation, as Christians around the world gather in prayer, reflection and action to celebrate God’s gift of creation and renew their commitment to care for our common home. To mark the beginning of the season, Uniting…
President's reflection: Arise and shine!
President’s reflection: Arise and shine! Last week, President Rev Charissa Suli attended a global gathering of Methodist and Uniting Church women. She carried home stories, wisdom and a renewed call for the Church to shine. The 15th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) brought together Methodist and Uniting Church…
President's Pastoral Prayer for Nepal
President’s Pastoral Prayer for the People of Nepal As we hear of the devastating floods in Nepal, we pause in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected. In the face of lives lost, families separated and communities facing profound uncertainty, we turn to God in prayer. We pray for those who grieve, those still…
Farewell to Rev Lindsay Cullen
The Assembly farewells Rev Lindsay Cullen After almost nine years of faithful presence, imagination and service, Rev Lindsay Cullen is stepping down from the role of Assembly Associate General SecretaryThe Uniting Church community gathered at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney last Thursday to give thanks for the ministry of Rev Lindsay Cullen and formally…