Threads of Love
Uniting Church President-elect Rev Charissa Suli has recorded a message from the heart about the 17th Assembly theme
July 2, 2024
Ahead of her installation next week, President-elect Rev Charissa Suli has recorded a new message from the heart about her theme for the 17th Assembly and the triennium.
Threads of Love: Weaving Christ's Love Across Cultures and Boundaries is inspired by the rich communal practice in Charissa's own Tongan heritage of weaving the fala (mat).
Charissa speaks personally and from the heart about the inspiration of this image and of the thread of God's love which has been woven through her life.
"Christ's love is the thread that will bind us in moments of difference. It will hold us together."
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.
"As I think about the 17th Assembly theme, I've been reflecting on how I got here, and I've been grateful for the way that the Uniting Church has seen me and how Jesus has seen me."
"This led me to think about how the love of God that is found in Jesus Christ has been a constant thread throughout my ministry."
"Christ's love is the thread that will bind us in moments of difference," says Charissa. "It will hold us together."
"Weaving will also challenge us. We are going to have to face some moments of untangling the threads that no longer serve the church today."
The video was filmed by The Signal Box on Gadigal Land in Sydney.
More 17th Assembly news
Bible Study resource celebrates 50 years
With Love to the World celebrates 50 years The distinctive Australian daily Bible study resource of the Uniting Church reached a golden milestone last week. John Squires reflects on its story and significance. By Rev Dr John Squires, With Love to the World Editor The Uniting Church has a number of distinctive gifts to…
Reports expose modern slavery in supply chains
New reports expose modern slavery in supply chains The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania in collaboration with Greenpeace have released two new reports shining the light on modern slavery hidden within global supply chains. On 3 March 2026, the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania – represented by their Senior Social…
Theology, Formation & Leadership Commission: February update
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 Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
IWD 2026: Celebrating Uniting Church Women
Uniting Church Women Nominees for the Uniting Church Women 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. As the Church and wider community mark International Women’s Day 2026,…
President releases IWD 2026 message
President releases 2026 IWD video message Rev Charissa Suli has recorded a special message for International Women’s Day, reminding us that equality does not happen by accident Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has released a special video message to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, inviting congregations across the Church to give…
Rev Mark Kickett steps down as UAICC Chair
Rev Mark Kickett steps down as UAICC Chairperson After a long affiliation with the UAICC, Rev Mark Kickett farewelled Congress earlier this monthRev Mark Kickett has stepped down as National Chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), concluding his service on 1 March. Rev Kickett served in the role since December 2023,…
Frontier Services stands firm with flood-affected communities
Frontier Services stands firm with flood-affected communities Heavy rain in remote parts of the country initially brought welcomed relief. Now that has turned to concern with rising waters taking its toll on outback properties and townships By Millie Hanlon, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Frontier ServicesRecent weeks have brought extraordinary rainfall across parts of…
Introducing the new National Director of UnitingCare Australia
Introducing UnitingCare Australia’s new National Director Tamara Thomas brings international experience and a passion for justice to her new role leading UnitingCare AustraliaLast week, UnitingCare Australia welcomed a leader whose career has taken her from Noosa Heads to Geneva and from grassroots advocacy to the corridors of the United Nations. Tamara Thomas steps into the…