Review of UCA Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice begins
This major review - the first in 16 years - provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the ethical foundations and ministry practices that support the life of the Uniting Church
September 17, 2025
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.
The Assembly is pleased to announce that a comprehensive review of the Uniting Church in Australia’s Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice is now underway – the first major review since 2009.
Rev Jenny Byrnes has been appointed as Consultant to lead the review. With 42 years of vocational experience in the Uniting Church, her theological depth, leadership experience and practical insight will be invaluable throughout the process.
In this role, Jenny reports to the Assembly’s General Secretary, Andrew Johnson, and is supported by a Reference Group comprising representatives from each Synod and the Standards for Ministries Committee.
“By drawing on diverse voices from across the Church, the Reference Group will help to ensure that the review is both theologically grounded and practically relevant,” Jenny said.
“They will play a crucial advisory role providing theological reflection on the Code’s function within Church life, offering feedback on how it is currently applied, and assessing how it responds to evolving legal, ethical and social expectations.”
Jenny commenced her work with the Assembly earlier this month and has already begun developing an initial survey. The aim is to distribute the ready survey to the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) of every Presbytery by the end of October.
“The survey will be open for between six to eight months to ensure PRCs have sufficient time to provide details on where they see gaps in the current Code of Ethics, where there are difficulties and where it needs strengthening,” Jenny added.
“This process is a vital opportunity to strengthen the ethical foundations and ministry practices that support the life of the Church.”
While the release date for a revised Code has not yet been finalised, the Assembly anticipates it will be published in the second half of 2026. Further updates will be shared as the review progresses.
Rev Jenny Byrnes
More news from the Assembly
Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action
Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action The Uniting Church in Australia has renewed its partnership with the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) this week, reaffirming a shared commitment to faith, solidarity and climate justice as Tuvalu faces an increasingly uncertain future. On the low-lying islands of Tuvalu, climate change is not a…
Broome UC: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley
Broome Uniting: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley Next month the Broome Uniting Church celebrates a centenary of worship in its current church building. Wendy Hendry from the Synod of WA recently travelled to the neighbouring Northern Synod to learn more about the church and its people This article was first published…
School of Discipleship 2026
School of Discipleship 2026 Participants from across Australia gathered for a weekend of worship, learning and community, exploring what it means to reclaim discipleship and deepen faith in following JesusBy Rev Adrian Sukumar-White, School of Discipleship Coordinator School of Discipleship (SOD) is an annual conference that has been running since 2004, creating a space and…
President's Message for NAIDOC Week and the anniversary of the UAICC Covenant
President’s Message for NAIDOC Week and the anniversary of the UAICC Covenant Today, 10 July, marks the 32nd anniversary of the Convenant between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. With today’s anniversary and the current NAIDOC Week, the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev…
Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday 2026
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. On Sunday 19 July, communities across the Uniting Church are invited to join in the fourth annual national celebration of Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday. Emerging…
Act2's CTFL advances key priorities
Theology, Formation and Leadership Commission update At a recent meeting, the Commission progressed plans for a common theological education provider, developed new governance structures and strengthened its commitment to learning alongside Congress leadership Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
President concludes visit to Tonga
President concludes Tonga visit with strengthened Pacific partnerships Following a week of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of Christianity in Tonga, Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli has concluded her visit with high-level meetings that strengthened the Church’s enduring commitment to partnership across the Pacific. The week-long bicentenary celebrations brought together thousands…
Roundtable highlights practical steps to Net Zero by 2040
Latest roundtable highlights practical steps to Net Zero From emissions tracking to local renewable energy projects, the Uniting Church’s second Climate Action Roundtable showcased practical, collaborative action towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly…