Theology, Formation & Leadership Commission: February Update
The Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met in February to continue key work shaping ministry and leadership across the Church. p
March 9, 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.
By Rev Dr Cathie Lambert, Chair for the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership
The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met again on 18 February via Zoom. The Chair, Cathie Lambert, welcomed members and guided them in an Acknowledgement of Country. Kylie Crabbe, a member of the Executive, offered a prayer and reflection, grounding the Commissions work in shared discernment.
The Commission welcomed the appointment of Rev Ben Gilmour and Rev Valentina Satvedi-Leydon as two new members by the Assembly Standing Committee.
The Commission continued to work through the transition of the work of Standards for Ministries and authorised the Executive to receive nominations for membership of the newly formed Standards for Ministries Task Group. Rev Ben Gilmour was appointed to chair the first meeting, and the Task Group was asked to appoint a Convenor. Key areas of work include continuing consultations with MEB’s and Colleges of Synods; revision of the Commission’s Terms of Reference; and clarification of the Guidelines and Regulations regarding the Admission of Ministers from other Denominations.
The document, “Desirable Elements of a Common Higher Education Provider”, containing a list drafted at the Commission’s November meeting was approved to be distributed to Ministerial Education Boards. The Commission is seeking feedback from MEBs to inform the next stage of investigation towards aligning our Theological Colleges with a single higher education provider.
Another significant matter of discussion was the progress towards a Ministry of Pastor review. The Commission also received feedback from the gatherings of Communities of Practices for Phase 2, Phase 3 and Lay Education.
The Commission considered a resolution passed by the ASC in November 2025 to explore the Instruments of Unity in the Uniting Church. A working group was formed to begin framing this work guided by key discussion questions.
The Commission will meet again on the 30 April via Zoom. In June, the Commission will meet in person in Brisbane.
More news from the Assembly
President joins Pacific women leaders in Tuvalu
President joins Pacific women leaders for gathering in TuvaluUniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli is in Tuvalu this week, joining women leaders from across the Pacific for a regional gathering exploring the connections between faith, gender and climate justice. Hosted by the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) Church in Funafuti, the Tuākoi Lei – Faith, Gender…
Frontier Services attend National Bush Summit
National Bush Summit 2026 Frontier Services joined national conversations on the future of rural and remote Australia, listening to communities and advocating for practical, compassionate change 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…
August Update from Theology, Formation and Leadership Commission
August update from Act2 TFL Commission The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership welcomed Rev Dr Sunny Chen and progressed key work strengthening theological formation, collaboration, leadership and relationships across the Uniting Church. Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
Uniting Church and PNG Church leaders meet on climate change
Uniting Church and PNG leaders meet on climate change A gathering of church and agency leaders has highlighted the power of churches working together to respond to climate change and care for creationUniting Church and UnitingWorld leaders last week met with counterparts from Papua New Guinea’s seven mainline churches and the PNG Council of Churches…
President’s Season of Creation message
Today, 1 September, marks the beginning of the 2026 Season of Creation, as Christians around the world gather in prayer, reflection and action to celebrate God’s gift of creation and renew their commitment to care for our common home. To mark the beginning of the season, Uniting…
President's reflection: Arise and shine!
President’s reflection: Arise and shine! Last week, President Rev Charissa Suli attended a global gathering of Methodist and Uniting Church women. She carried home stories, wisdom and a renewed call for the Church to shine. The 15th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) brought together Methodist and Uniting Church…
President's Pastoral Prayer for Nepal
President’s Pastoral Prayer for the People of Nepal As we hear of the devastating floods in Nepal, we pause in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected. In the face of lives lost, families separated and communities facing profound uncertainty, we turn to God in prayer. We pray for those who grieve, those still…
Farewell to Rev Lindsay Cullen
The Assembly farewells Rev Lindsay Cullen After almost nine years of faithful presence, imagination and service, Rev Lindsay Cullen is stepping down from the role of Assembly Associate General SecretaryThe Uniting Church community gathered at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney last Thursday to give thanks for the ministry of Rev Lindsay Cullen and formally…