Shared mission across oceans
The 190th MCIF Conference provided an opportunity to strengthen ties across the Pacific through worship and prayer, as well as dialogue on faith, justice and discipleship
September 4, 2025
Last week, the 190th annual conference of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma (MCIF) was held in Suva, where President Rev Charissa Suli represented the Uniting Church.
Guided by the theme ‘Level Up – Moving the Church of Christ Forward to Another Level,’ the conference united believers focused on deepening faith, renewing discipleship, supporting the marginalised, and voicing truth to both government and society.
“The MCIF is courageously discerning how to speak truth to government while caring for communities at the margins, and how to nurture spiritual and discipleship renewal and formation for ministers and congregations,” Rev Suli said.
“The church in Fiji is also wrestling with the huge social issues of their time, and seeking fresh ways to encourage the young people. These are not only challenges of society, but core questions of faith and mission.”
“Our partnership ensures that the UCA walks alongside MCIF not only in development work, but in strengthening the church’s voice, witness and discipleship for this generation.”
Throughout the conference, President Suli had the opportunity to preach, share in prayer, worship and fellowship with numerous leaders from across the Pacific, including Rev Dr Semisi Turagavou (President, MCIF), Rev Tim Lam (President, Methodist Church in Hong Kong) , Rev Sepiuta Hala’api’api (General Secretary, Fiji Council of Churches and Deputy Moderator, Pacific Conference of Churches) and Olivia Baro (Youth Advisor, Pacific Conference of Churches).
“These moments remind us that our partnership is more than formal agreements – it is people, prayer, song and shared mission across oceans.”
She also met with UnitingWorld project leads based in Suva, to hear of their ministry efforts and to encourage their ongoing work alongside local partners.
A highlight for delegates was the historic performance of the UCA’s Fiji National Conference (FNC) Choir, a wonderful witness of the bonds between our churches in Fiji and the diaspora in Australia.
As Rev Suli reflected, “These moments remind us that our partnership is more than formal agreements – it is people, prayer, song and shared mission across oceans.”
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 Conference 2025 in review
President’s Conference 2025 in review Gathering as pilgrims and partners in Tonga, Uniting Church delegates reflect on faith, friendship and renewal from the 2025 UCA President’s ConferenceWhen members of the Uniting Church gathered for the 2025 UCA President’s Conference last November, they did so as pilgrims and partners. Hosted by President Rev Charissa Suli, the…
Assembly's new strategy for 2026–31: First Strategic Goal explained
The 2026-31 Strategy: First Strategic Goal explained As the Assembly launches its new five-year strategy, General Secretary Andrew Johnson introduces the first of the Strategic Goals – Flourishing Faith by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary In 2026, the National Assembly commences its new strategy for the period 2026–31, centred on the vision Uniting in Christ:…
Update on Assembly's new Pride Circle
Update on Assembly’s new Pride Circle The Assembly’s Pride Circle has been launched, bringing LGBTIQA+ members and allies together to help the Uniting Church live out its mission of love and inclusion Responding to both the UCA’s commitment to being a loving, safe and inclusive Church, and the long history of struggle and marginalisation of…
Rev Dr Paul Goh reflects on the President's Conference 2025
Weaving the Mat of Belonging In his first-ever visit to Tonga for the 2025 President’s Conference, Rev Dr Paul Goh unearthed many takeaways that we can apply within the Uniting Church. He penned this article upon his return last November.by Rev Dr Paul Goh, President-Elect, Uniting Church in Australia, and current Mission Activator, Mission Resourcing…
Walking the Path of Peace
Walking the Path of Peace When Emelia Haskey walks into the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok next month, she will carry with her the prayers, hopes and convictions of her Uniting Church community. Emelia has been selected to take part in the Fifth Global Peace Summit, an international gathering of around 400…
Church responds to Bondi attack
Church responds to Bondi attack As the Uniting Church, we express our grief and call for solidarity and peaceThe Uniting Church in Australia expresses its deep sorrow following the attack at Bondi Beach, which NSW Police have identified as a terrorist act. The violence occurred while families and children were gathered to celebrate the start…
Bondi tragedy: Pastoral message from President Rev Suli
Bondi tragedy: Pastoral message from President President Rev Charissa Suli offers this pastoral mesage and prayer following the tragic events at Bondi Beach written by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia This morning, we wake with heavy hearts following the tragic events at Bondi. As the Uniting Church in Australia,…
President's Christmas Message 2025
This Christmas season, President Rev Charissa Suli offers two messages for our community – because the incarnation meets us wherever we are. A Christmas Message of Light and Action In her main Christmas message, President Rev Charissa reminds us of the profound mystery at the heart of our faith: God chose to draw near, entering…