By Andrew Johnson
Three clear visions for the future of the Uniting Church were endorsed by consensus at the 17th Assembly last year:
Stream A: a vision for local communities of faith;
Stream B: a vision for a National Network for Theology, Formation and Leadership; and
Stream C: a vision for the ordering and resourcing of the wider Church.
We have now moved from a phase of reflecting on our life and imagining about our future into a specific set of concrete steps in relation to our theological culture and common life and wealth.
In keeping with the decisions and principles agreed upon at the 17th Assembly, two whole-of-Church Commissions are being established to progress the important work of advancing these visions. These Commissions are:
The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership
The Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration
We are seeking your feedback in two ways, namely Terms of Reference and Expression of Interest.
Terms of Reference
The Act2 Project Transition Committee has shaped a draft Terms of Reference for both Commissions, with links to the respective documents located on the Assembly website
We invite any feedback or suggestions to these proposed ways of working. Please submit your feedback in writing to [email protected]
Expression of Interest
You are warmly invited to register your interest in playing an important leadership role as a member of either Commission. We are seeking broad and diverse perspectives and experiences from across the life of the Church. These are the two places where you can make the greatest contribution to the shared future of the Uniting Church.
Please share TOR feedback and submit your EOI as soon as possible, with the final deadline for both being March 1.
We anticipate approval from the Assembly Standing Committee in March and to appoint members of both Commissions by mid 2025.
We are entering an exciting new season as the Uniting Church in Australia.
It’s clear the Spirit is continuing to lead us as we seek to courageously follow God’s call.
I invite you to prayerfully consider contributing to this critical next phase in our shared journey.
Andrew can be contacted directly on 0424 373 713 or by email at [email protected]
Andrew Johnson is National Assembly General Secretary
