Threads of Love Across Nations: A President’s Reflection

It was beautiful to see how God’s inspired themes continued. On Tuesday, I was at the launch of a book commemorating Australia and Tonga’s diplomatic ties. Again, I was struck by the references to Sunday’s service. Political leaders and dignitaries alike echoed the language of the sermon, especially the call to be “woven together” recognising these values as essential for the ongoing partnership between our nations. I confess that even as I sat at the Governor’s Dinner and the Parliament House ceremony, I silently asked, “Why are we here? Why is the Church here?” But the answer came clearly through the conversations of which I was part. The Church was not only present – it was heard. God was heard! People were drawing from the sermon and were referencing scripture!

It reaffirmed for me that our Church continues to have an essential role in the public life of our nations – not merely as event organisers but as bearers of hope, proclaimers of the Gospel, and bridge-builders. We are called to speak into society with clarity, with compassion and with conviction. And to do so not only from inside the walls of a church building but in every space where people gather.

I was again moved by the ways our Church creates space for others to lead, reflecting Christ’s own call to shared ministry. Throughout the preparations and events, I saw our Church leaders step up and volunteer their insight and gifts, including Rev Dr Jason Kioa who offered a prayer at Parliament House.

So, too, the unity we share amid diversity. One of the most significant aspects of Sunday’s service was the presence of ecumenical leaders, including from the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, the Tokaikolo Christian Church and the Free Church of Tonga – a living sign of the Uniting Church’s deep commitment to ecumenical friendship.

I was also encouraged to see political leaders recognising the central role that church and faith continue to play in the lives of Pasifika communities. There is a growing awareness that to engage meaningfully with Pacific peoples, one must understand the importance of spirituality, of worship and of the church’s leadership in shaping culture and community. There is, I believe, a renewed openness to partnership – one that acknowledges the shared values of faith, trust, honesty and service.

I want to especially acknowledge the combined choirs of Siasi Uesiliana Tauataina ‘o Tonga (Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga) and all the Uniting Church clergy and congregations, the Royal Tongan Australian Choir, and the Park Church Uniting Brisbane choir. Your voices wove a tapestry of worship that spoke to the soul of our communities. I also give thanks for the countless members of the wider Uniting Church who prayed, volunteered and supported this historic service. My heartfelt thanks go to Rev Ken Day and the congregation of St Stephen’s Uniting Church Sydney, whose hospitality and tireless work made this service possible.

It was also a joy to welcome the Moderators of the NSW/ACT and Vic/Tas Synods, along with other dignitaries, ecumenical leaders and people from all walks of life – a living sign of our shared commitment to the gospel and the rich diversity of God’s people. To stand alongside Their Majesties, government officials, ecumenical partners and the Australian-Tongan community was an immense honour – and, even more, a reminder that Christ’s Church remains a vital thread in the fabric of our common life, weaving hope, justice and hospitality.

We are called to bear witness – not just on Sundays, not only within church walls – but in the places where decisions are made, where stories are shared, and where hope is needed.

I continue to give thanks for the privilege of this past week. My prayer is that the partnerships renewed and the friendships celebrated will continue to grow – and that we, as the Uniting Church, will remain faithful to our calling: to be a people of hope, hospitality, justice and love.

May we, always, weave Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries and remain woven together in Him.

Rev Charissa Suli
President, Uniting Church in Australia

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli with Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu and Lord Tuita; with Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, Rev Mata Hiliau, NSW/ACT Moderator, and Rev Sione Hiliau; with Elizabeth Peak, Deputy Secretary and Head of the Office of the Pacific in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; meeting His Majesty Tupou VI; with Mr Brek Batley, High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga; with Ms Louise Waterhouse, Honorary Consul General for the Kingdom of Tonga.