Multicultural Ministries VicTas Synod

02/05/2026

Discerning Call Day: Reflections on Ordination and Ministry (2 May 2026)

The day opened with an inspiring morning session led by Rev. Dr. Michael Earl (UTC), who offered deep insights into the journey of Ordination within the Uniting Church in Australia.
Following a time of fellowship over lunch, the conversation shifted toward the future of discipleship through discenment. Rev. Mel Perkins and Rev. Dr. Michael Earl co-facilitated an engaging afternoon workshop titled: "Where is the Spirit Leading: Refreshing the POD."

A video recording of the morning session will be released soon.

24/03/2026

Special visitors from the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) to CTM, DML and Ormond College

20/02/2026

Title: 2026 Contextual Learning Group to South Korea

Duration: 13 April, Monday evening ~ 20 April, Monday afternoon

Venue: various mission sites in Seoul, Busan, Masan and Chang Won in South Korea

Requirements: Participants must have a valid passport, be aware of their own medical and dietary needs and be able to walk approximately 6–8 km including subway staircases each day.

Who can join: friends and colleagues in the VICTAS Synod

What’s next: Once accepted, you need to arrange your own round-trip ticket between Melbourne and Seoul, South Korea. (after registration, a copy of '2026 CLG guideline booklet’ will be emailed)

Contact: Rev David D**g Won Kim, VICTAS Synod Multicultural Ministries Coordinator (0400 213 205 / [email protected])

16/02/2026

'a noise' by Rev Sylvia 'Akau'ola Tongotongo, Toorak Uniting Church (a video recording from 2026 VICTAS Synod Intercultural Forum Annual General Meeting)

23/01/2026

2026 VICTAS Synod Intercultural Forum Annual General Meeting
(14 February 2026, Saturday 10 am, Glen Waverley UC)

As we continue to support and participate in the VICTAS Synod’s ministry and journey, I’d like to invite you to the annual general meeting of the Synod Intercultural Forum on Saturday 14 February 2026 at 10:00 am at Glen Waverley Uniting Church.

Here’s a copy of the official invitation from the Synod Intercultural Forum: Registration link: https://events.humanitix.com/victas-sif-agm

The VICTAS Synod Intercultural Forum invites you to attend the SIF annual general meeting. This is a great opportunity to support the multicultural ministries and intercultural leadership within the Synod. You will find plenty of chances to make new friends in ministry, catch up with colleagues and friends, worship and praise together, and engage in Talanoa with Synod leaders. Plus, a new SIF leadership team will be elected.

Rev Salesi Faupula, the VICTAS Synod Moderator, opens the meeting with his pre-recorded message and prayer. Rev Sylvia ‘Akau’ola-Tongotongo from Toorak Uniting Church will share her experiences and insights on multicultural ministries and intercultural leadership as she continues her journey with the Uniting Church in Australia.

Tile: The Synod Intercultural Forum (SIF) Annual General Meeting
Date: 14 February 2026, Saturday (10:00 am ~ 2:00 pm)
Venue: Glen Waverley Uniting Church (10-12 Bogong Ave, Glen Waverley VIC 3150)
Note: The church carpark spaces for disability carpark permit holders and guest speakers only. Fellowship lunch will be provided, please indicate your dietary requirement.
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/victas-sif-agm

19/09/2025

The Women’s Intercultural Conference (WIC) will take place from October 3-5, and in the lead-up to the event, one of its organisers, Lesieli Taualii, had the privilege of sitting down with the Assembly President, Rev Charissa Suli. Lesieli invites us to tune in as Charissa shares her hopes and expectations for the conference.

Listen below as Charissa shares some of her thoughts around the importance of the Women’s Intercultural Conference and highlights the vital role women play in shaping the future of the Church and our wider communities.

https://victas.uca.org.au/event/2025-womens-intercultural-conference/

Read the transcript here: https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WIC-interview.docx

13/08/2025

2025 Women's Intercultural Conference (3 October ~ 5 October)

08/08/2025

2025 CALD Young Leaders Weekend Retreat

- When: Friday 19 September – Sunday 21 September 2025
- Where: Peninsula Outdoors (Merrick)
- Who’s it for: UCA CALD members aged 18–35

28/07/2025

2025 Discernment Day (25 October 2025)

Come and see … An opportunity to learn aboutdiscernment, discipleship and ministries in the UnitingChurch, and pathways into lay and ordained ministries.

• Meet UCA Ministry agents and learn abouttheir different roles and contexts
• Discover educational pathways fordiscipleship and ministries
• Learn about the Period of Discernment andministry pathways
• Consider how to discern your gifts and yoursense of call

Register online at https://events.humanitix.com/discernment-day

21/06/2025

We are called to grow to live as being a multicultural church

As the Uniting Church in Australia recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of its declaration as a multicultural Church, Synod's Multicultural Ministries Co-ordinator, David Kim, has reflected on the achievement.
David and General Secretary Rev Dr Mark Lawrence (both pictured) were part of a national online gathering on June 10 which marked the anniversary of the declaration.
The gathering heard insights and reflections from many people on what being a multicultural Church means.
"It was evident that the journey has been multigenerational and collective, with a commitment to fostering and flourishing the UCA as a multicultural Church," David said.
"Many speakers highlighted ways of recognising and embracing different cultural groups into the life of the Church.
"At the same time, some speakers pointed out that it has not fully reflected the voices of many different cultures, including First Nations people.
"Younger generational speakers added that more intentional and inclusive steps need to be taken to continue to grow as a multi-intercultural Church."
There are now 48 culturally and linguistically diverse communities within the mission and ministry of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.