Rev. Dr. Peter Walker inducted as General Secretary of the Synod of NSW and ACT
Rev. Dr. Peter Walker has been inducted as General Secretary of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and the ACT during a ceremony attended by family, friends and colleagues, including former General Secretaries, Moderators and Presidents.
Rev. Dr. Peter Walker has been inducted as General Secretary of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and the ACT during a ceremony attended by family, friends and colleagues, including former General Secretaries, Moderators and Presidents.
The Service of Induction marked the public affirmation of Rev. Dr. Walker’s appointment, following his election by the Synod in 2025. He commenced in the role in October last year.
The service was led by the Moderator, Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau, and brought together representatives from across the Synod, reflecting the shared life and ministry of the Church.
The sermon was delivered by Rev. Glen Spencer, Director of Mission for the Synod, who reflected on God’s call as disruptive, transformative and leading to humility. Drawing on Paul’s opening words in 1 Corinthians, Rev. Spencer spoke about how God’s call reshapes identity and challenges the Church to confront division with faithful, practical theology. He encouraged the Church to remain attentive to its wounds, trusting that God’s Spirit works through vulnerability and humility to renew relationships and reimagine the Church’s life and witness.
At the time of his appointment last year, Rev. Dr. Walker highlighted the centrality of relationships in the life of the Uniting Church.
“We are an interconciliar church and relationships are everything to us,” he said. “Through relationships we can build trust and through trust we can build faithful change.”
He also reflected on the “upside-down” nature of the Church, emphasising that local congregations are at the heart of the Uniting Church.
“I promise each day to ask how the Synod is helping our local churches and our local ministry leaders,” Rev. Dr. Walker said.
The induction concluded with prayer and a blessing.
For more photos from the event, visit the Facebook post.
Rev. Dr Peter Walker with former Moderator Rev. Simon Hansford and Rev. Norman McDonald.
