Threads of Love: How the Uniting Church Is Weaving Love, Justice and Hope

The Assembly gave it’s report to Synod members on Day 3 with The President, Rev Charissa Suli and General Secretary Andrew Johnson delivering the extenisive report to members of Synod regarding recent work across Australia. 

The past few years have been a time of big change and deep reflection for the Uniting Church in Australia. At the heart of it all is a simple idea: weaving Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries. 

In July 2024, the Church gathered in Parramatta for the 17th Triennial Assembly. It was a historic moment. Rev Charissa Suli became the Church’s youngest President and the first person of colour to hold that role. The Assembly also welcomed a new President Elect, Rev Dr Paul Goh, and the new General Secretary, Andrew Johnson. 

The President's theme for her Triennium “Threads of Love: Weaving Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries” focusses the work of the Assembly across the Uniting Church. 

During the Assembly, members agreed to many proposals under the Act2 Project. These aim to help the Church stay true to its mission by building stronger faith communities, encouraging lifelong learning, and sharing resources more fairly. 

Stepping up for justice and care 

The Assembly supported a range of efforts to live out its faith in practical ways. It passed resolutions to revive its Covenant with First Peoples and to adopt parts of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. It also backed work to cut emissions to net zero and affirmed the life and faith of transgender, intersex and gender diverse members. 

National agencies doing the work 

Frontier Services kept supporting people in remote Australia and built closer ties with synods and presbyteries. UnitingCare Australia led a trial that helped shape a major new federal program to support people leaving violence and kept speaking out for social justice. UnitingWorld launched campaigns, partnered with Pacific women seeking dignity and equality, and created resources to help congregations connect with global mission. 

The President’s call: keep weaving love 

President Rev Charissa Suli has travelled widely, both in Australia and overseas, sharing the message that love binds the Church together, especially across cultural and generational lines. Rev. Suli has called the Church to become a place of truth-telling and justice for First Peoples, to grow as an intercultural church, and to act boldly for climate justice. 

The President reminded members that this isn’t just about words. It’s about concrete steps: standing alongside First Peoples and welcoming all from diverse backgrounds. 

Looking forward 

The Act2 Project is reshaping the Church’s structure and life. Its vision focuses on three areas: building vibrant communities of faith, supporting lifelong learning, and sharing resources and leadership more fairly. Work continues through new commissions and a transition committee, with voices from across the Church helping to guide the way. 

The Church knows it still faces challenges. But its leaders are clear: the way forward is to stay rooted in Christ’s love, speak truth, act justly, and keep weaving a community where all belong.