WCC Central Committee meets in South Africa
The World Council of Churches Central Committee has met in South Africa over the past week for the second time
June 26, 2025
The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee closed its meeting on Tuesday after six days discerning together in Johannesburg, South Africa. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli attended the gathering as an advisor, alongside elected member Rev Sharon Hollis, and others from Australia.
This gathering, guided by the theme 'Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation and Unity,' brought together more than 150 church leaders from around the world to reflect on and respond to key issues shaping the life and witness of the global Church.
The Committee's work over the week included this important statement calling for an end to apartheid, occupation, and impunity in Palestine and Israel. It also addressed threats to peace and security across the globe, and began looking ahead to the 12th WCC Assembly, electing an Assembly planning committee and a number of other roles. Comprehensive coverage of the meeting is available here.
During the gathering, Rev Suli offered a theological reflection on the topic “Jubilee, People and Earth”. It is available to view below.
Rev Suli also caught up with her predecessor Rev Hollis to discuss some of the meeting's highlights, and how younger members of the church can be involved in future WCC gatherings.
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.
More news from the Assembly
President's Easter Message 2026
“The Church does not live by anxiety. We live by resurrection.” Uniting Church Easter messages 2026 Easter messages from the President and Moderators of the Uniting Church in Australia In a world that can feel loud, anxious, and divided, Easter arrives with a quiet but powerful word: peace. This Easter, Rev Charissa Suli, President of…
UCA Leaders gather for key week of discernment
Key week of discernment in shaping the Church’s future Last week, Leaders across the Uniting Church gathered for a pivotal time of meetings, shaping shared vision, national priorities and future direction Leaders from across the Uniting Church in Australia gathered in Sydney last week for a significant series of meetings, marking an important time…
Journey to Net Zero: 2026 Roundtables
Be part of the Uniting Church’s Climate Action Roundtables The church community is invited to join this year’s series of Roundtables equipping communities for faithful, practical climate action 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…
Honouring shared mission
Honouring shared mission Earlier this month, the Korean World Mission Fellowship (KWMF) held a ceremony to recognise descendants of Australian missionaries who lived martyr-like lives for the evangelisation of Korea Representatives of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA), including Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen and Rev Seung Jae Yeon of the Korean…
New UnitingCare Australia National Director officially commissioned
Tamara Thomas officially commissioned as National Director, UnitingCare Australia Before leaders and members of the Uniting Church and UnitingCare, Tamara Thomas has been formally welcomed into her new role as National Director of the Church’s social justice and advocacy agency Tamara Thomas has been officially commissioned as the new National Director of UnitingCare Australia.…
UCA President urges political leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire
Middle East conflict: UCA President urges Political Leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, has written to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Australian Greens and other Australian political party leaders, urging multi-partisan support for the Australian Government to…
Bible Study resource celebrates 50 years
With Love to the World celebrates 50 years The distinctive Australian daily Bible study resource of the Uniting Church reached a golden milestone last week. John Squires reflects on its story and significance. By Rev Dr John Squires, With Love to the World Editor The Uniting Church has a number of distinctive gifts to…
Reports expose modern slavery in supply chains
New reports expose modern slavery in supply chains The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania in collaboration with Greenpeace have released two new reports shining the light on modern slavery hidden within global supply chains. On 3 March 2026, the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania – represented by their Senior Social…