2026 Uniting Church Anniversary message
UCA President marks Uniting Church’s 49th Anniversary with message of hope and Jubilee
June 19, 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.
Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has released a special video message to mark the 49th anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia on 22 June, reflecting on the Church’s journey and inviting members to look ahead with hope toward its Jubilee year in 2027.
Drawing on the image of a fala (Tongan woven mat) shared at her installation, Rev Suli describes the Church as a community still being woven together through the love of Christ. “A mat still on the loom is not a lack, but a promise that there is more love still to weave,” she says.
In her message, Rev Suli gives thanks for the faith, courage and vision of those who formed the Uniting Church in 1977 and acknowledges the enduring Covenant relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. She also recognises the challenges many congregations and leaders are facing, encouraging the Church to remain grounded in prayer, worship and service.
Reflecting on the recent season of Uniting in Prayer, Rev Suli says the Spirit is calling the Church “back to depth, back to prayer, and back to a people shaped not by fear or scarcity, but by trust in the abundance of God.”
Looking toward the Church’s 50th anniversary next year, she invites members to embrace the biblical vision of Jubilee as a time of renewal, reconciliation and justice.
“The threads of God’s love are still being woven through our life together,” Rev Suli says. “May God weave us together in love.”
The anniversary video message is now available to download and share in worship services, along with a PDF transcript.
More news from the Assembly
President's Message for NAIDOC week and the anniversary of the UAICC Covenant
Today, 10 July, marks the 32nd anniversary of the Convenant between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. With today’s anniversary and the approaching NAIDOC Week, the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, gives thanks for the gift of Covenant and the importance of reconciliation.…
Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday 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. On Sunday 19 July, communities across the Uniting Church are invited to join in the fourth annual national celebration of Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday. Emerging…
Act2's CTFL advances key priorities
Theology, Formation and Leadership Commission update At a recent meeting, the Commission progressed plans for a common theological education provider, developed new governance structures and strengthened its commitment to learning alongside Congress leadership Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe…
President concludes visit to Tonga
President concludes Tonga visit with strengthened Pacific partnerships Following a week of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of Christianity in Tonga, Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli has concluded her visit with high-level meetings that strengthened the Church’s enduring commitment to partnership across the Pacific. The week-long bicentenary celebrations brought together thousands…
Roundtable highlights practical steps to Net Zero by 2040
Latest roundtable highlights practical steps to Net Zero From emissions tracking to local renewable energy projects, the Uniting Church’s second Climate Action Roundtable showcased practical, collaborative action towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly…
New Secretariat Leadership Announced
The Assembly is pleased to announce two new appointments to the Executive Team, both commencing their roles on 1 July. 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…
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026NAIDOC Week 2026 (5–12 July) marks 50 years of honouring the voices, cultures and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Uniting Church, together with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), gives thanks for this significant milestone and celebrates the enduring strength and leadership of First Nations peoples.…
Act2's CGRA enters key phase
Governance, Resourcing and Administration Commission update Executive Officer Dr Paul Minty writes how the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration continues to advance the Act2 vision, with nationwide consultations and key workstreams shaping a more connected, sustainable and mission-focused Uniting ChurchBy Dr Paul Minty, Executive Officer of the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration. The…