UAICC Statement on the passing of Rev Dr Michelle Cook
National Chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, Rev Mark Kickett, has released a letter of pastoral support
November 13, 2024
Pastoral support letter, from UAICC National Chairperson Rev Mark Kickett
Upon the passing of Rev Dr Michelle Cook
The UAICC National Chairperson, on behalf of the UAICC nationally, extends our deepest love, prayers and condolences to James, Zane, Marda, and families, on the tragic loss of our beloved Michelle.
We echo the prayers and support of the whole Church, which has been extended to you.
We deeply share your loss of an exceptional woman, who gave so much to the life of the Church, in particular her unwavering support and love for the UAICC, and her dedication to education, to justice, and to the Covenant.
We had begun a significant journey with Michelle and Nungalinya College, in the development and planned roll out of a leadership training package, tailored to the UAICC, to ensure growth and sustainability for our future.
It is with deep sadness that we are faced with this sorry time, but we will continue to honor her enthusiasm, vibrance and commitment to this project. We will continue to walk this path, in, with and through Michelle, and ensure her legacy is honored.
Michelle loved the UAICC and the UAICC deeply loved Michelle. Along with the Uniting Church family we mourn this loss together.
Rev Mark Kickett
November 2024
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Funeral Details
The Uniting Church Northern Synod has announced that Michelle’s Funeral and Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Thursday 14th November at 10:30am ACST at Nightcliff Uniting Church in Darwin. (9am AWST, 11am AEST, 11:30am ACDT, 12pm AEDT).
The service will be live-streamed via this link.
Several public viewings of Michelle's funeral have been planned around the country to allow people to gather to mourn and celebrate Michelle's life.
Synod of Victoria/Tasmania
Melbourne: 12pm local time, Wesley Place (Level 2, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC)
Melbourne: 12pm local time, Centre for Theology and Ministry (29 College Crescent, Parkville VIC)
Launceston: from 11:45am local time, Pilgrim Uniting Church (34 Paterson St, Launceston TAS)
UAICC Tasmania: from 11am local time, Kingston Uniting Church (42 Jindabyne Rd, Kingston Beach TAS)
Synod of NSW/ACT
12pm local time, Chapel of St Andrew at the Centre for Ministry (16 Masons Dr, North Parramatta NSW)
Synod of South Australia
11:30am local time, Christ Church Wayville (26 King William Rd, Wayville SA)
Synod of Queensland
from 10:30am local time, Indooroopilly Uniting Church (74 Station Rd, Indooroopilly QLD)
Donate
Ex-President Rev Sharon Hollis has established a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs and travel costs, particularly to enable those coming from remote communities to attend. Anything additional raised will be given to Michelle's family to help support them as they adjust to life without her. Donate here.
Tributes to Michelle
The President has arranged for an online condolence book to be established in Michelle’s honour. We encourage you to leave a message here as together we mourn her passing and celebrate her life and legacy. These messages will later be shared with Michelle’s family. Alternatively, you can send your tributes to the Assembly: comms@nat.uca.org.au and we will make sure it's included.