The Uniting Church in Australia
The Uniting Church Australia describes itself as, “A community of people following Jesus and God’s call to live with love, grace and hope in the world.”
The Uniting Church in Australia has always understood itself as being oriented towards justice, sharing in God’s mission which is the reconciliation of the world by speaking out on social and environmental issues of concern and engaging with governments on matters of public policy.
Because the Uniting Church in Australia takes seriously the belief that every member has a part in the ministry of Christ, it is formed of a series of interrelated non-hierarchical councils which use a model of consensus-decision making when their councils meet.
The focus is on listening to the Spirit before speaking and discerning the will of God for the Church together.
UnitingWorld is the international aid and partnerships agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, working with the global church to address the causes and consequences of poverty, injustice and environmental degradation.
Australia Factfile
1977
Formation
1,600
Congregations
45
Languages
670,000
Affiliated people
History
The Uniting Church Australia was formed when three denominations, including the Methodist Church of Australasia, came together in 1977 after many years of prayerful discernment in the hope that they would "bear witness to that unity which is both Christ’s gift and will for the Church."