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
In Response to Disruptions at Anzac Day Services
As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, and in solidarity with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and our Synod Moderators, we are deeply concerned and disappointed by the disruption and booing that occurred during Anzac Day services across the nation.Anzac Day is a sacred moment in our national life. It is a…
Listening to the household of God
Listening to the Household of God Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has written this reflection from Fiji on the Pacific Church’s witness – and the call to listen, be changed and walk together Written by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Last week, I had the privilege of gathering…
Liturgical Renewal Project gets underway
By Matthew Julius, Growing in Faith Circle Panel Member The National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) is starting a new project of “Liturgical Renewal.” The word ‘liturgy’ refers to Christian worship, and is part of the “core business” of the Assembly (alongside doctrine and governance). This…
Easter Madness 2026: A place to belong
Easter Madness 2026: A place to belong At Easter Madness 2026, young people from across Queensland gathered to explore belonging through worship, community, and transformative encounters with God Earlier this month, around 170 young people gathered for four vibrant days at Easter Madness 2026, a Uniting Church youth event held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.…
ANZAC Day 2026
As Australia pauses to mark ANZAC Day this Saturday, Army Chaplain and Uniting Church Minister Rev Matthew Stuart invites us into a space of remembrance shaped by honesty, lament and hope. In a video message recorded for ANZAC Day (see below), Rev Stuart names the reality many feel but…
Frontier Services announces its new National Director
Frontier Services announces its new National Director Dave Parker’s extensive executive experience and heart for the gospel make him an outstanding fit for the strategy and future of Frontier Services The Board of Frontier Services has announced the appointment of Mr Dave Parker as its new National Director, marking an important moment of renewal…
Remembering the Armenian Genocide
Remembering the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide mm Friday 24 April marks 111 years since the start of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, where authorities carried out the systematic destruction of Armenian Christians resulting in the devastating deaths of approximately 1.5 million people between 1915 and 1923. This year is also 11…
Five young leaders attending AEYA-2026
Five young leaders attend AEYA-2026 Five young leaders of the UCA have travelled to Chiang Mai, in Thailand this week to participate in the Fifth Asian Ecumenical Youth Assembly. Five young leaders from the Uniting Church in Australia have travelled to Thailand this week to participate in the Fifth Asian Ecumenical Youth Assembly (AEYA-2026),…