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Moderator’s Easter message

During Easter we are invited to bear witness to the emergence of hope and life in the resurrected Jesus, says Moderator David Fotheringham.

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  • Synod 2019

Pray, but stay away: holding on to faith in the time of coronavirus

"In this time of great anxiety, faith leaders have a responsibility to step up with words of comfort and compassion, drawing on the depths of their sacred traditions and texts."

COVID-19: Moderator’s pastoral letter

Moderator Denise Liersch has written a pastoral letter as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Victoria and Tasmania.

COVID-19: Message from the General Secretary

This letter from General Secretary Mark Lawrence provides advice to congregations in relation to COVID-19.

How to live stream a worship service or church event

Here are some simple guides to help congregations or other church groups live stream worship services and other events during the Coronavirus crisis.

Coronavirus information for presbyteries and congregations

This letter provides guidance on how to best provide pastoral care and worship services as the spread of Coronavirus escalates.

Moderator’s Lent and Easter Offering

Lent is the season of the church year when we take time to reflect on Jesus’s journey to the cross and what this means for us, and for all people.

Church rallies to help bushfire-devastated areas

In partnership with Uniting Vic.Tas, our Synod continues to be actively involved in assisting communities ravaged by the current bushfires.

Wesley Church enters new era of worship and witness

The 161-year-old Wesley Church is welcoming back worshippers after a painstaking period of restoration.

On the frontline of East Gippsland bushfire defence

Longtime Bairnsdale UC member Alan Cracknell is typical of those prepared to swap their Sunday best for the yellow uniform of volunteer firefighters whenever the need arises.

Pilgrim students recognised at valedictory service

Pilgrim Theological College farewelled 44 departing students, six of whom were exiting candidates for ministry, at a Valedictory Service on 31 October.

Korea celebrations kick off with Pilgrim visit

The Presbyterian Church of Korea visited CTM as part of their Australian tour celebrating the 130th anniversary of Australian Mission to Korea.

UCA submission on new religious discrimination laws

The UCA has called for changes to the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill to ensure the legislation will not override other human rights or existing protections from discrimination. 

Resilient Women Project tackles religious prejudice

Muslim women are one of the most victimised groups in society. Synod has spent five years researching a booklet that aims to help eradicate the problem.

Moderator invites applications for 2020 Lenten Offering projects

Victorian and Tasmanian UCA congregations and other ancillary groups who are doing the mission work of the church are invited to apply for next year’s Lenten Offering grants to support innovative projects.

UCA members join global march demanding climate action

Scores of UCA members and Synod staff joined an estimated 100,000 people to march in Melbourne as part of the Global Climate Strike on 20 September, demanding action against climate change.

Bronwyn Pike to be new CEO of Uniting Vic.Tas

Bronwyn Pike will be the next CEO of Uniting Vic.Tas after stepping down as chair of the organisation.

Prof Allan Fels says Mental Heath Kit can reduce stigma

Professor Allan Fels has launched a Mental Health Kit for Uniting Church congregations with a call to fight stigma and discrimination.

UCA backs mandatory reporting laws for ministers

Moderator Denise Liersch has spoken out in support of making it mandatory for ministers of religion to report child abuse.

The harsh reality of having no place to call your own

Homelessness Week (4-10 August) is a time for us to stop and think about what life is like living on the street, particularly as temperatures continue to plummet.

Moderator’s pastoral letter on Voluntary Assisted Dying response

This pastoral letter from Moderator Denise Liersch was sent to congregations in Victoria and Tasmania following Synod's decision on how to respond to Victoria's Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation. 

See Synod for yourself with this video recap

The 14th Synod saw the installation of Reverend Denise Liersch as Moderator, a formal response to Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation, introduction of the new Disability Action Plan and much more.
Synod 2019 - Day4

Synod day four – recap

Today’s major order of business was to decide on the response to the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation.
Synod2019 - Day3

Synod day three – recap

Day 3 included Agency and Assembly reports, NAIDOC Week presentations and the adoption of a Statement of the Heart.
Synod2019 - Day2

Synod day two – recap

The day began with a Bible study led by Dr Liz Boase, which was followed by reports from Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Victoria, UAICC Tasmania, Walking Together Group and Synod Ethics Committee.

Synod day one – recap

Day 1 of Synod kicked off with a welcome by new Moderator Rev Denise Liersch. What followed was a mix of reports, proposals, Bible study, reflections and other activities, such as Choose Your Own Adventure.
New Moderator calls on Church to explore new ways of worship

New Moderator calls on Church to explore new ways of worship

Denise Liersch says “don’t cling to the status quo … look for where the Spirit of God is at work in unexpected places and ways”.

Narana swells with Indigenous surfing pride

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre is preparing to welcome some of Australia’s top Indigenous surfers who are taking part in the eighth Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles.

UCA reaffirms same-gender marriage stance

UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer has reaffirmed the Uniting Church's stance on same-sex marriage after the ABC published an article stating the church is divided.

A call for unity after Sri Lanka bombing

In the wake of the horrific bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, Uniting Church Reverend Dev Anandarajan has called for people to come together and reject violence and disunity.

Senior magistrate calls for removal of courtroom Bibles

A senior magistrate wants all Bibles to be removed from Victorian courtrooms because “they are relics from another time” that "belong in a museum, not a modern court".
UCA calls for end of gas tax loophole

UCA calls for end of gas tax loophole

Gas producers aren’t paying a fair share of tax and the government’s plans to cut back their future concessions do not go far enough, Synod’s Senior Social Justice Advocate Mark Zirnsak says.
UCA marchers join climate class action

UCA marchers join climate class action

Uniting Church members and staff marched through the streets of Melbourne in solidarity with about 40,000 striking students demanding action on climate change
A message to Uniting Church members about the decision on marriage at the 15th Assembly

A message to Uniting Church members about the decision on marriage at the 15th Assembly

Dr Deidre Palmer addresses members of the Uniting Church about the decision to hold two equal and distinct views on marriage.
Christmas Greeting 2017

A Christmas greeting from Moderator Sharon Hollis

  Message – Transcript Theologian Serene Jones often speaks of her congregation’s celebration of the Christmas story. Each year, as someone narrates, different members of the congregation act out the various parts. Serene tells how transforming this can be, both for…

Celebrating 40 Years

Moderator Sharon Hollis asked five previous moderators of the VicTas Synod what they hope for the Uniting Church in the next 40 years. This short video is to assist congregations consider what they hope for themselves and the whole of…