Theology, Formation & Leadership Commission: February Update

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.