Latest News

Picture of Food photo in the page Time to act on unhealthy food

Time to act on unhealthy food

In his regular Crosslight magazine column, Senior Social Justice Advocate Mark Zirnsak writes that action is needed to stop food companies from profiting at the expense of our health.

  • All
  • News
  • Synod 2019
Picture of Istock 1182622704 scaled e1584586251409 in the page Coronavirus information for presbyteries and congregations

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.
Picture of Lenten offering large banner scaled e1583379438377 in the page Moderator's Lent and Easter Offering

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.
Picture of Istock 96822952 in the page Church rallies to help bushfire-devastated areas

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.
Picture of 19264722 652351728303867 9056997698361663983 o in the page Wesley Church enters new era of worship and witness

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.
Picture of Fireman pat e1575937730522 in the page On the frontline of East Gippsland bushfire defence

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.
Picture of Img 8798 1 in the page Pilgrim students recognised at valedictory service

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.
Picture of 71780275 955680158125844 7389485048015093760 n in the page Korea celebrations kick off with Pilgrim visit

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.
Picture of Deidre palmer2 in the page UCA submission on new religious discrimination laws

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. 
Picture of Muslim woman cmyk scaled in the page Resilient Women Project tackles religious prejudice

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.
Picture of Lentenofferings 2020 webbanner in the page Moderator invites applications for 2020 Lenten Offering projects

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.
Picture of Img 8053 scaled in the page UCA members join global march demanding climate action

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.
Picture of Bronwynpike in the page Bronwyn Pike to be new CEO of Uniting Vic.Tas

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.
Picture of Img 7781 1 e1569304869616 in the page Prof Allan Fels says Mental Heath Kit can reduce stigma

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.

Congregational leadership

'Do-It-Yourself' DIY modules which explore topics important for those who lead, or wish to lead, in congregations or faith communities.
Picture of Denise liersch 24 1 e1565847867797 in the page UCA backs mandatory reporting laws for ministers

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.
Picture of Adults black and white casual scaled in the page International Youth Day and unleashing unlimited potential

International Youth Day and unleashing unlimited potential

"I hope that we might honour International Youth Day by acknowledging the place and potential of young people around the world and around the corner."
Picture of Homeless subway scaled in the page The harsh reality of having no place to call your own

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.
Picture of Aaron burden 7oj3o6pk10s unsplash scaled in the page Moderator's pastoral letter on Voluntary Assisted Dying response

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. 
Picture of Img 6971 scaled in the page See Synod for yourself with this video recap

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.
Picture of Synod2019 day4 e1562824235558 in the page Synod day four - recap

Synod day four – recap

Today’s major order of business was to decide on the response to the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation.
Picture of Synod2019 day3 in the page Synod day three - recap

Synod day three – recap

Day 3 included Agency and Assembly reports, NAIDOC Week presentations and the adoption of a Statement of the Heart.
Picture of Synod2019 day2 in the page Synod day two – recap

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.
Picture of Img 6968 scaled in the page Synod day one - recap

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.
Picture of New moderator calls on church to explore new ways of worship 02 in the page 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”.
Picture of Humey chair web e1559196676491 in the page Narana swells with Indigenous surfing pride

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.
Picture of 36820623 2065823106825347 2561205061506039808 n in the page UCA reaffirms same-gender marriage stance

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.
Picture of 11034508 3x2 940x627 in the page A call for unity after Sri Lanka bombing

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.
Picture of Chuttersnap 331504 unsplash scaled in the page Senior magistrate calls for removal of courtroom Bibles

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".
Picture of Uca calls for end of gas tax loophole in the page 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.
Picture of Uca marchers join climate class action in the page 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
Picture of A message to uniting church members about the decision on marriage at the 15th assembly in the page 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.
Picture of Christmas creeting 2017 in the page A Christmas greeting from Moderator Sharon Hollis

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…
Picture of 40 year anniversary banner in the page Celebrating 40 Years

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…