Clarence Uniting Church

26/04/2026

      April 26, 2026   As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, and in solidarity with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian

11/04/2026

The Uniting Church in Australia stands in prayerful solidarity with our global ecumenical partners, the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the World Council of Churches, as they raise their voices in response to the violence and instability in the Middle East.

We echo their deep concern at the devastating impact of ongoing military strikes, particularly on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We join in denouncing attacks on civilian locations and call for the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law, and immediate steps toward peace.

The Uniting Church also reiterates the urgent call for restraint, de-escalation, and an end to the cycle of violence, recognising the growing humanitarian crisis affecting communities, particularly in Iran and Lebanon.

We encourage you to read and reflect on these important statements:

> https://wcrc.eu/wcrc-condemns-the-destructive-israeli-air-strikes/

> https://oikoumene.org/resources/documents/statement-of-the-wcc-and-middle-east-council-of-churches-on-attacks-on-civilian-locations-in-lebanon

> https://oikoumene.org/news/wcc-gravely-concerned-over-threats-to-iran-of-attacks-on-civilian-infrastructure

May we continue to pray for peace, justice and the dignity of all people.

Photo: Agence France-Presse

08/04/2026

We’re so grateful. 💛

This Christmas Bowl, churches and individuals across Australia came together in an incredible act of generosity. Your giving, prayers, and partnership mean that our partners on the ground can continue their vital humanitarian and peace-building work.

This truly is a what we achieved together moment. Thank you for standing with people around the world through the Christmas Bowl.

We are excited to invite you to join us online later this month for a special Christmas Bowl Impact Address so you can hear how your support is changing lives.

To register online https://afp.org.au/CB25impact/

04/03/2026

28/02/2026

𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁

This morning, the World Council of Churches expressed grave concern over escalating military attacks in the Middle East and called for an immediate cessation of violence, the protection of civilian populations, and renewed diplomatic engagement.

As part of the global fellowship of churches, the Uniting Church in Australia stands alongside our ecumenical partners in prayerful solidarity. We share the deep concern for the safety of civilians, the stability of the region, and the urgent need for de-escalation and dialogue.

In a time when rhetoric intensifies and fear spreads quickly, I invite the Uniting Church to be what we are called to be — a praying people. We hold before God all whose lives are endangered, and we pray for communities here in Australia who are watching these events with deep concern for loved ones.

We recommit ourselves to being people of restraint, reconciliation and hope.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲

God of Abraham and Sarah,
God of Hagar and Ishmael,
God of Isaac and Rebekah,
God revealed to us in Jesus Christ,

We bring before you the lands where our faith was born,
now shaken by escalating violence and deep uncertainty.

We pray for the people of Iran,
for the people of Israel,
and for all across the region living tonight with fear.

We pray for children woken by sirens,
for families seeking safety,
for those carrying grief, anger and anxiety.

Prince of Peace,
interrupt the cycle of violence.
Protect civilian life on every side.
Grant leaders wisdom and restraint.
Turn hearts from further destruction toward dialogue and de-escalation.

Call all nations to act with responsibility,
with care for human life,
and with respect for the obligations of international law.

Spirit of the Living God,
comfort those in Australia whose loved ones are in harm’s way.
Strengthen Jewish, Muslim, Iranian, Arab and Christian communities who may feel vulnerable or unsettled.
Guard us from antisemitism, from Islamophobia, and from every form of hatred that rises in times of conflict.
Make your Church a place of safety, compassion and steady hope.

May fear give way to understanding.
May violence give way to courage for peace.
May justice and mercy meet.

In the name of Christ, who is our peace.
Amen.

— President Rev Charissa Suli

22/02/2026

15/12/2025

𝗔 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮, 𝗥𝗲𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗶

This morning, we wake with heavy hearts following the tragic events at Bondi.

As the Uniting Church in Australia, we hold in prayer all who have been affected — those who have lost loved ones, those who are injured and recovering, the first responders and health workers, and the wider community carrying shock and grief.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and with all who were gathered in peace. Violence has no place in our shared life, and fear must not have the final word.

In the light of Christ, we commit ourselves again to compassion, care for one another, and the work of peace. May God’s love hold all who are hurting today.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿

God of mercy and peace,
we come to you with hearts that are tired and grieving.
We entrust to you the lives lost,
the wounded,
and all who are holding sorrow this day.

Surround the Jewish community and all who have been affected
with comfort, safety, and hope.
Strengthen those who serve and protect,
and grant wisdom and gentleness to all who lead and respond.

In a world shaken by violence,
teach us again the way of Christ —
the way of love, courage, and peace.
Hold us, heal us, and lead us forward.

Amen.

— 𝗥𝗲𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗶, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮

15/12/2025

The Uniting Church in Australia expresses its deep sorrow following the attack at Bondi Beach, which NSW Police have identified as a terrorist act.

The violence occurred while families and children were gathered to celebrate the start of Hanukkah, a long-held religious tradition, in peace. What should have been a time of joy, faith and community was instead marked by fear and devastation.

We grieve the lives lost and hold in prayer all who have been injured, traumatised and affected.

As the Uniting Church in Australia, we unequivocally state that any attack on families and children gathered peacefully to celebrate faith is utterly unacceptable. We name and reject antisemitism in all its forms. Violence and hatred must never have the final word.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and commit ourselves again to compassion, peace, and care for one another. We reaffirm our commitment to stand with our Jewish friends against hatred, violence, and fear. This horrifying moment reminds us as a nation that the safety and dignity of our neighbours must never be taken for granted and that protecting one another, especially children and those targeted for their faith, is a shared responsibility.

The Uniting Church affirms the dignity of every person and the right of all people to gather, worship, and celebrate their traditions without fear or violence.

At moments like this, when terror seeks to unsettle our sense of safety and unity, we reject fear, hatred, and division. As a Christian church, shaped by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we are called to speak with moral clarity and to act with deep compassion.

We give thanks for the courage and care of first responders, health workers, and all who have supported those affected during this time.

We invite the church and the wider community to join us in prayer and quiet reflection for all who are grieving today.

The Uniting Church continues to hold in prayer the Jewish community, the families and children impacted, and the wider community as it grieves and seeks healing.

𝗥𝗲𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗶
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮

06/07/2025

The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly acknowledges the sovereign First Peoples of the lands and waters where we work in locations across the country. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and to all their descendants who have cared for this place since creation.

The Clarence Uniting Church pay our respect to the Moomairremener people, and acknowledge the commitment their
ancestors made, across the generations, to nurturing this Land. Together, may we walk into the future, recognising the sacred footsteps that continue to lead us to the promise of Heaven.

The 6th of July 2025 marks the start of NAIDOC Week which celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

The NAIDOC Week Theme for 2025 is "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy"; we invite you to explore the theme and the artwork, Ancestral Lines, by Jeremy Morgan Worrall on the NAIDOC Week Website.

Ancestral Lines is a visual representation of the lines and ties that follow a generation and the songs that come with it. When I think of the next generation I think towards my Ancestor Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright, all the way from my Nanna Audrie to my Mother Vanessa. When I look back....

14/06/2025

Callout to Celebrate Volunteers of Kingborough