Meet Rev David Fotheringham
A self-introduction from the new Chair of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration
May 29, 2025
I’m currently the Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (2022–2025). I was confirmed in the Uniting Church in South Australia, have studied Physics and Theology in SA, the ACT and Victoria, and was ordained in Victoria in 2000. I have ministered in rural, regional, suburban and outer-suburban locations.
In my current role I’ve greatly enjoyed seeing and encouraging the Church across a range of expressions, including in covenant with Congress, in many varied communities of faith and congregations, and in the institutions that are part of the UnitingCare network.
Among the wonderful things that God is doing through the Church, I’m aware of particular challenges among presbyteries and synods across Australia, and recognise the need to make sure that the way that we are structured helps, rather than burdens, the Church’s worship, witness and service in response to the gospel.
I’ve had experience in governance in each of the councils of the Church, including as a member of the Assembly Standing Committee, and am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
I’m looking forward to working with people from across the councils of the Church in the Commission: gathering in prayer, drawing on a depth of experience, and looking towards the present and future of the Church as God brings it to us.
With the membership of the Commission being finalised on 31 May, our first meeting is scheduled for 8 July. Our first meeting will be in person in Melbourne, though we’ll subsequently make good use of online gatherings.
I’m excited to be able to help the Church to discern an approach to governance which is consistent, flexible and helpful for our time – in the language of the vision adopted by the 17th Assembly: “A network of deeply connected councils responding to God’s call to enter more fully into mission through healthy oversight of ministry and mission, celebrating our diverse and shared identity and being faithful stewards of our common life and wealth.”
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
uHub: a new digital home for UCA resources
A new home for the resources of the UCAThe Uniting Church Assembly is excited to introduce you to uHub – the refreshed and renamed digital home for the treasures of our Church. Previously known as Illuminate, this central platform brings together Assembly resolutions, justice and theology statements, worship and liturgical resources, governance documents, historical materials,…
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of key personnel for the two new Uniting Church National CommissionsThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of two key personnel to the work of the new National Commissions. Established by…
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025NAIDOC Week 2025 marks 50 years of honouring Indigenous voices, culture and resilience. The Uniting Church, together with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), celebrates this milestone and the enduring strength of First Nations peoples. NAIDOC Week has grown into an annual event of hope, truth-telling and a powerful declaration…
WCC Central Committee meets in South Africa
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 timeThe 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…
Marking 40 years of being a Multicultural Church
Marking 40 years of being a Multicultural Church Four decades after declaring itself a Multicultural Church, members of the Uniting Church gathered to celebrate, reflect and reimagineOn 15 June 1985, a Spirit-led declaration was made at the Uniting Church in Australia’s 4th National Assembly: “The Uniting Church is a Multicultural Church”. These seven words have…
Church members honoured on King's Birthday
King’s Birthday Honours 2025 The UCA congratulates those members of our Church who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the communityThe Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates all members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. From dedicated farmers and compassionate doctors to insightful theologians…
President speaks with ABC radio
President takes to the airwaves Rev Charissa Suli recently featured on ABC radio, where she shared of her journey to Uniting Church President, and offered insight on women of faith and lasting hope for a broken worldSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
UCA President's 48th anniversary message
2025 Uniting Church Anniversary message UCA President Rev Charissa Suli shares this message marking 48 years of the Uniting Church in AustraliaSubscribe 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.President Rev Charissa Suli has shared a video…