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News
April 17, 2025

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, March 28th, the strongest the country has ever recorded. Tremors were felt throughout the region, as far away as Thailand and China. 

As of April 1st, the death toll has risen to over 2,000, with thousands more injured and in urgent need of food, shelter, clean water and medical assistance. 

Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia has shared a pastoral statement in response to the devastating earthquake. 

“We join with the global community in mourning. We lament the loss of life and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and churches. We are deeply concerned for those who remain buried beneath collapsed buildings, and we give thanks for the courageous search and rescue workers who are risking everything to find survivors. Their persistence is a beacon of hope.

The devastating effects of this earthquake will be felt deeply by this vulnerable part of the world, which continues to suffer from ongoing civil war and is without the resources to respond effectively to disaster. We are encouraged by the rapid response from the international community. Nations including China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Russia, to name a few have sent aid and resources. These signs of solidarity remind us that love and compassion transcend borders.

In this season of Lent, we remember that God is close to the brokenhearted. May we be vessels of that compassion—through our prayers, our offerings, and our care for our neighbours in Myanmar and Thailand. In this spirit, I encourage all Uniting Church communities to hold the people of Myanmar and Thailand in prayer, and to consider giving generously through trusted relief partners.”

Want to help?

UnitingWorld is working through our membership in the ACT Alliance, a global Christian humanitarian coalition, to resource a coordinated response.

Your donations will provide lifesaving aid to those hit hardest by the earthquake and help distribute urgent necessities such as food, water, shelter and medical aid to the people most impacted. 

Donate now! 

Make an online donation here or call 1800 998 122 (9am – 5pm) 

Pray for Myanmar and Thailand

 “Rev Charissa Suli has shared a prayer for those affected by the earthquake.

Loving and faithful God,
You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
Today we lift before you the people of Myanmar and Thailand,
those who mourn, those still waiting for news,
and those working around the clock to save lives in the midst of devastation.

We grieve the lives lost and the homes destroyed.
We pray for the injured, the displaced, and the traumatised.
Be their shelter in the storm, their light in the darkness, and their peace in the chaos.

We give thanks for the hands and hearts offering help—
for the emergency workers, medical teams, neighbours, and leaders
responding with courage and care.

We are grateful for nations who have extended help and support.
Bless their generosity and multiply the impact of every effort.

God of all peoples,
bind us together across oceans and cultures.
As members of your global Church, may we be a witness to your love in action.
Move our hearts to give, to pray, and to stand alongside our neighbours in need.
We pray all this in the name of Christ,
our hope and our healer.
Amen.

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News
March 27, 2025

Budget sends a clear signal: Australia won’t abandon partners in our region 

UnitingWorld welcomes the Australian Government’s Federal Budget announcement to increase aid by $135.8 million, affirming our commitment to partners in the Asia-Pacific region amidst a rapidly shifting global landscape. 

“While traditional donors are scaling back aid, Australia has made it clear that we will not turn our backs on our friends in the region,” said Dr Sureka Goringe, National Director of UnitingWorld.  

“This increase in aid, while very modest as a percentage of the Federal Budget, signals that we are continuing to stand alongside our partners who face escalating challenges from climate change, health crises and economic instability.” 

“In a world that is increasingly dominated by strident voices that seek to sow fear and disunity, I commend the Australian Government for not stepping backwards on vital development assistance,” she said.  

A better balance with defence spending is urgently needed  

Despite the modest aid increase in this budget, Australia currently spends only 0.65% of the total federal budget on aid, the lowest it has ever been. New analysis from the ANU Development Policy Centre shows Australia now spends ten times more on defence than on aid—one of the widest gaps in the developed world. 

“This is an alarming trend,” said Dr Goringe.  

“UnitingWorld calls on all parties to recognise aid and development assistance as more than just an investment in our neighbours, but in our shared future—strengthening peace, stability and resilience across our region.”

“We echo the call of our sector through the Safer World for All campaign, to see aid grow to at least 1% of the Federal Budget, ensuring that we continue to meet the challenges of our time with generosity and vision.” 

Sign the open letter: Australian Christians support Australian Aid!

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News
March 25, 2025

Australia is now spending ten times more on defence than on foreign aid, which is one of the widest gaps in the developed world according to new data modelling from the Australian National University. 

At a press conference in Parliament House this morning as part of the Safer World for All campaign, Uniting Church in Australia President Rev. Charissa Suli joined key voices from politics, security and faith to urge Australia’s leaders to commit to growing aid, before the gap widens further. 

“Australian Aid transforms lives—and I’ve witnessed that first-hand. After the devastating volcano and tsunami in Tonga in 2022, I travelled there and saw the incredible impact of our aid program—vital supplies, shelter, and long-term recovery support,” said Rev. Suli. 

“Tongan communities still tell the story of those first days of fear and uncertainty. Through the ash and silence, the first humanitarian plane they saw carried the image of a kangaroo. It’s a moment they will never forget.” 

“As a person of faith, I believe love must be shown in action—and our aid program is exactly that: a lifeline, an act of justice, and a reflection of our shared humanity”

Rev. Suli publicly released a letter signed by the heads of every major Christian denomination in Australia. 

“Australia’s aid program is supported by all of Australia’s mainline churches, and we stand together here today. Our support for Australia’s aid program goes far beyond words, we wholeheartedly co-invest in it as partners,” said Rev Suli.  

“We urge our nation’s leaders to affirm their commitment not just to preserve aid, but to let it grow, forging stronger partnerships and transforming more lives together.” 

Independent MP Zali Steggall also spoke about aid’s role in helping Pacific nations adapt to the climate crisis. 

“Aid that supports climate resilience for our Pacific neighbours isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart, strategic move for Australia. By helping communities withstand rising sea levels, extreme weather and displacement, we’re strengthening relationships, promoting regional stability and protecting lives,” she said.

“It’s not enough to invest in defence alone. True security means helping our neighbours prevent crises — by building resilience before disaster strikes.” 

Aid funding has seen significant cuts in the last decade and made up only 0.68% of the Federal Budget in 2024-25. The Safer World for All campaign is calling for aid to make up 1% of the 2025-26 Budget. 

Church leaders and members have conducted over 55 meetings in the past six months with MPs from all parties, organised by Micah Australia. These meetings, led by constituents who care deeply about Australia’s role in the world, have highlighted the strong and widespread support for aid within the Christian community. 

Regardless of the outcome of the 2025-26 Budget, the Australian Church is committed to ongoing support for Australian Aid.

Sign the open letter: Australian Christians support Australian Aid!

UnitingWorld is a member of Micah Australia and supports the Safer World for All campaign. The campaign brings together voices from faith, development, security, and the community to advocate for a stronger, values-driven approach to Australian Aid. 

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News
February 18, 2025

“You are here because you care about your community … you care about your country … you care about your culture and you want to play your part in making your community stronger.”
– Senator Penny Wong

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed the Pacific-Australian Emerging Leaders Summit (PAELS) hosted by Micah Australia and the Pacific Conference of Churches in November.

Now in its third year, PAELS gathered a diverse delegation that included 34 young leaders from 16 Pacific Island nations, nine First Nations leaders and 23 leaders from the wider Australian family. UnitingWorld helped bring 11 delegates from our Pacific partner churches and 17 young leaders from Uniting Churches across NSW, VIC, QLD and WA to PAELS 2024.

It was great to see so many young people forging deep and valuable connections with other young leaders and change makers from our partner churches across our region.

Victoria Su’a Falo, a first-time delegate from St Johns Uniting Church in Essendon (VIC), said it was a powerful time spent shaping her values as a Pacific emerging leader. She said:

“I felt a strong sense of unity and empowerment being amongst Pacific indigenous, First Nations communities, Pacific diaspora and extended Australians.”

Following advocacy training in groups, PAELS delegates spent a full day of meetings with Members of Parliament to share their vision of a safer, more just and sustainable future.

Special thank you to the Synod of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania and Uniting Mission and Education (UME) in NSW for sponsoring Uniting Church delegates to attend from interstate.

 

First published in UnitingWorld Update 2025-01 – download the full magazine PDF here.

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Campaigns, Village and Economic Development (West Timor, Indonesia)
February 17, 2025
A huge thank you to everyone who gave any of the life-changing gifts from our Everything in Common gift catalogue during Christmas, and to everyone who made a donation. At time of writing, you’ve helped raise more than $350,000 through the catalogue, supporting our partners to impact their communities in so many different ways. Thank you!

New for Everything in Common 2024 was our Healthy Kids and Mothers card, helping provide care and nutrition to expectant mothers, newborns and families in the Alor and Rote Islands in Nusa Tenggara Timur (West Timor Province), Indonesia.

These islands are home to some of the poorest communities in Indonesia, where many people still live off the land in traditional subsistence lifestyles. With the rise of imported foods and uncertain growing seasons, families struggle to get the food and nutrition they need. Mothers and babies are the hardest hit, with malnutrition leading to high-risk pregnancies and stunting of children.

Our local partner, the Christian Evangelical Church in Timor, and their development agency TLM are determined to make change, both now and into the future.

Working in eight villages, our partners are:

  • providing health checks and education for pregnant women, new mums and their children
  • distributing locally-grown fresh vegetables and resources for families to grow their own food
  • installing clean water sources in villages that need it.

Looking beyond, our partners are using the villages as models to inspire others, working with local governments and church communities to tackle the heath crisis for good. We’ll keep you updated about progress with stories like Irma’s (shared below).

First published in UnitingWorld Update 2025-01 – download the full magazine PDF here.

“She is so healthy…”

Our church partner in Nusa Tenggara Timur (West Timor Province), Indonesia, distributes vegetable seeds for expectant mothers to provide for healthy nutrition during pregnancy, and for the family in the future.

Irma (pictured) said “growing vegetables is good for pregnant mothers, health workers … told me that. [When] I gave birth to my third child, she is 3.8 kg. She is so healthy, maybe because I consumed a lot of vegetables.”

This project was supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). 

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Campaigns
February 14, 2025

As the saying goes, “Big change comes from small actions, repeated”.

Monthly giving as a UnitingWorld Global Neighbour is a way for you to ‘put on repeat’ your commitment to building a more just and equitable global neighbourhood.

Poverty and injustice have complex causes, and there are no quick fixes. Regular giving provides our partners with a reliable income stream to deliver powerful and effective programs, day in and day out, until the work is done.

Why give monthly?

Express your faith and values

Live out your values of justice and compassion as part of a community of givers, celebrating stories of progress and equipped to pray for our partners.

Have a greater impact

Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to support people fighting poverty. It creates a secure funding base for our partners, faster response in disaster, lower fundraising costs and more lives changed.

Accountability
As a monthly giver, we’ll tell you where your donations are used and how we’re resourcing our partners to continually assess, monitor and improve the projects you support.

Join our network of faithful monthly givers, working together to build a more just and equitable global neighbourhood. 

Become a UnitingWorld Global Neighbour today! Find out more or sign up at www.unitingworld.org.au/globalneighbour.

 

First published in UnitingWorld Update 2025-01 – download the full magazine PDF here.

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Blogs, Campaigns
February 14, 2025

In a fast-paced world dominated by 24-hour news cycles, consumer culture and the dizzying expansion of technology, the season of Lent can feel like a relic of the past. One more tradition squeezed out by our busyness and distractions. As Ecclesiastes 7:12 reminds us,

“God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.”

But perhaps now, more than ever, Lent is a rare invitation to pause. To follow Jesus into the stillness of creation. It’s a time to give our full attention to God, to live more simply and to act generously out of love for our neighbours and this beautiful, fragile world.

Climate change is undoing decades of progress, driving poverty, food insecurity and forced migration across our world. There’s profound injustice at its heart: those who’ve contributed the least to this crisis are suffering the most, while those who’ve burned the most fossil fuels have largely insulated themselves from its effects.

What can we do? We can follow Jesus.

Our world urgently needs a movement of attentive and generous discipleship.

Lent can be that annual ‘spark’ that reminds us of who we are in Christ, and all the love and hope we have to offer a hurting world.

We’ve heard our church partners’ call for solidarity and support to help vulnerable communities build resilience to climate impacts. We invite you to join us in answering their call:

“We hope and pray the world will join us.”

Below, members of our partner churches from across the Pacific share about their experiences of climate change and environmental degradation.

“In Kiribati, we are experiencing coastal erosion, and we believe that increasing sea level rise contributes to the losing of some of our lands.”
Teraoi, Kiribati Uniting Church
“Climate change is severely impacting our land [West Papua]. In the highlands it is becoming harder to grow potatoes and catch animals. Without our staple foods it affects our health and nutrition.”
Ekyen, Evangelical Christian Church in Tanah Papua
“Here in Tuvalu, young people have anxiety about sea-level rise, droughts and migration. I fear for the loss of our culture and traditions, but I tell myself: “God has given us this land, and we must hold onto it for future generations to enjoy.”
Tetavaa, Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu
“Across our communities in Kiribati, climate change is causing reduced rainfall, droughts and lack of accessible clean water.”
Bubutei, Kiribati Uniting Church
“The dry season [in Solomon Islands] feels hotter and longer. Mass logging has removed so many trees, king tides wash the fertile soil away and it doesn’t come back. I’ve seen small islands that now look like deserts.”
Caleb, United Church in the Solomon Islands
“In Fiji, we feel the rising sea levels. There are burial sites that are now underwater and villages that are being forced to relocate. We all think it is a serious issue that needs to be tackled, and we pray the world will join us.”
Rev. Asinate, Methodist Church in Fiji

 

Lent Event offers a way to step into action, faithfully and meaningfully.

Commit to 40 days of faithful action for God’s creation. Fundraise or donate for communities on the frontlines of climate change. Speak out for justice.

Throughout Lent, we’ll share stories from our partner, the Free Wesleyan Church in Tonga, showing how your actions will help transform lives across the Pacific, Asia and Africa.

Will you join us? By acting together, we can challenge the status quo of a distracted and disconnected world, make a real difference in the lives of our neighbours, and inspire vital hope and courage for the future.

Sign up, get ideas for action and connect with a community of like-minded people at www.lentevent.com.au.

 

First published in UnitingWorld Update 2025-01 – download the full magazine PDF here.

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Campaigns
February 13, 2025

In January 2022, the Pacific Island nation of Tonga faced one of its most devastating natural disasters—the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano. The eruption unleashed massive tsunamis and volcanic ash, destroying homes, crops and livelihoods across the country.

Entire communities were left reeling from the destruction, but for many women and girls, the disaster was particularly challenging as they shouldered the responsibility of caring for their families amidst the chaos.

Taisia Heiumuli, a senior pastor with the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (FWCT), played a key role in the recovery efforts that followed. “Women and girls were deeply affected,” Taisia explains. “Many of them were responsible for finding safe places for their children while their husbands were away, leaving them to bear the emotional and physical toll.”

When Taisia led a project in partnership with UnitingWorld and the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP), aimed at addressing both the psychological trauma and providing practical tools for recovery, she made sure that the specific needs of women were given equal priority.

The project had two main components. The first was psychological support, aimed at helping people traumatised by the disaster. “The wounds were deep, especially for women and children,” says Taisia. “Through counselling and support, we aimed to heal those wounds and create a space where people could share their struggles and rebuild together.”

“We didn’t want to just give people fish; we wanted to give them tools to go get their own!”

The second component focused on rebuilding the livelihoods of families. People were provided with tools like sewing machines, cooking stoves, gardening equipment and fishing gear—resources that allowed people to regain a sense of autonomy and contribute economically to their families. “We didn’t want to just give people fish; we wanted to give them tools to go get their own!” Taisia says, emphasising the long-term empowerment the project aimed to foster.

This community-wide effort ensured that everyone was able to rebuild. Women learned new skills and shared them within the community, creating a powerful network of support. “One woman was able to sew children’s clothes for a ‘White Sunday’ celebration, earning $800 from her work,” Taisia proudly shares.

Another inspiring story to come from the project was that of Michelle, a young woman from another denomination whose business was destroyed by the waves. With the help of the project, she received new equipment and was able to rebuild her business. “She cried when she shared how blessed she felt,” Taisia recalls. “This project wasn’t for members of the Free Wesleyan Church—it was for the entire community, and we’ve been blessed to be able to support so many people.”

As the season of Lent approaches, we invite you to reflect on the power of faith, community and collective action through Lent Event! More of Taisia’s story will be featured in an upcoming six-part video series for Lent, highlighting inspiring stories from our partners in Tonga. Find out more on the Lent Event website.

Story from UnitingWorld Update 2025-01 – download the full magazine PDF here.

 

Part of this program includes working ecumenically through the Church Agencies Network-Disaster Operations consortium (CAN-DO) funded by the Australian Government as part of the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).

 

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News
February 5, 2025

As the world faces an ever-growing climate crisis, our neighbours in the Pacific, Asia and Africa are living with its devastating impacts. Families are being displaced by disasters, lands are becoming infertile and clean water is becoming harder to find and store. For those already living in poverty, these challenges are immense, and the chance to rebuild after disasters can feel impossible without help.

That’s where you come in.

Lent Event invites you and your church/community to take 40 days of faith-filled action for God’s creation. It’s an opportunity to stand in solidarity with our international church partners, helping to create real, lasting change in communities at the frontlines of climate change.

Why Lent Event?

Lent Event is a great way to bring meaningful change into your Lenten season, no matter what you already have planned. Through storytelling, prayer, and action, your church can engage with communities like those in Tonga, who are rebuilding their lives after climate disasters.

Folau, a survivor of the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, shares his story of survival and hope. “Even though we faced this hardship, God has given us a new land, new houses. My hope is that as we move here, we become a community that helps each other, loves one another and builds a great future for our children…”

This Lent, you can help make that hope a reality.

How to get involved:

  1. Help us reach our fundraising target
    Your church’s generosity will empower communities like Folau’s to build resilience, improve livelihoods and prepare for future disasters.
  2. Show our video series
    Share stories of resilience and faith with your congregation by screening our Lent Event video series. These videos are perfect for Sunday services, small groups, or Lenten reflections.
  3. Take the ‘40 for the Future’ challenge
    Encourage your congregation to take 40 days of practical action for the planet—small steps like reducing food waste, using sustainable transport, or cutting back on energy use. These actions not only support our global neighbours but also raise vital funds for communities in need.

Ready to get started?

Lent Event 2025 is designed to fit into whatever your church already has planned for Lent, making it easy to get involved. Visit www.lentevent.com.au for resources, videos, and everything you need to make this Lent one of faithful action for God’s creation.

Join us in standing with communities on the frontlines of climate change—together, we can create lasting change.

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Blogs, Campaigns
November 13, 2024

We all like to say Christmas isn’t about the presents—and we mean it. 

Ask around. It’s about family and friends, neighbourhoods alive with connection, and intergenerational debates over the holiday playlist (Taylor Swift or Mariah Carey? Elvis or Bing Crosby?). 

It’s a time to reflect on the gift of God’s grace, to be present with those we love, and to share kindness and gratitude. And yes, we give presents! But there’s a downside… 

Each year, Christmas fuels a massive surge in global consumption, and our planet is paying the price. We buy more, travel more, and produce nearly 30% more waste than at any other time of the year.  

The maddening part? A lot of what we give isn’t even wanted! (an estimated $921 million-worth in Australia each year!*) 

Polling by the Australia Institute found that over 6 million Australians expected to receive gifts they would never use or wear last Christmas. Nearly half of adults (48%) wish people would stop buying them presents altogether. 

Yet, despite this, the vast majority of us still love the act of giving. We want to be generous; we want to show our loved ones we care. But we also care about the planet, and we’re starting to realise we can’t keep adding to the piles of ‘stuff.’ 

Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives!

Here are 10 Christmas gift ideas that show love for both people and the planet… 

 

 

1. Give a gift that fights poverty!

What better way to affirm someone you love by giving on their behalf to a person or community who really needs it? It honours your generosity and theirs, it’s useful and doesn’t contribute to more ‘stuff’ in the world.  

Looking for gifts like that? Check out the Everything in Common gift Catalogue: www.everythingincommon.com.au

2. Give an experience 

Instead of generating more stuff, why not generate some great memories? Whether it’s a voucher for a favourite local restaurant, tickets to a sporting event, or a relaxing massage or sauna, experiences create opportunities for quality time, connection and shared joy. Post-COVID, many small businesses could use the support, and there’s no better way to foster community than by enjoying a great meal or fun activity together.  

 3. Give something that grows 

Is it fair to say plants are universally loved and timeless? You can never have too many. They live, breathe, and brighten up any space. Plus, the receiver can use cuttings to propagate more, give them as great gifts themselves and spread beauty and sustainable giving for years to come. Let’s create jungles, not jumbles! 

 4. Give second-hand or local 

Opt for pre-loved treasures or locally-made items. You’ll reduce your environmental footprint while supporting small businesses and fostering a sense of community. I recently picked up a handmade wooden dinosaur from a men’s shed fundraiser that my two-year-old is 100% going to love. (It’s a green brontosaurus that bobs its head and tail as you roll it along). With so many local community groups struggling right now, it’s a great way to help financially if you can’t volunteer time. 

5. Repair, regift or upcycle something you already own 

Instead of buying new, think about sprucing up something you already have that could make a unique gift. Upcycle old furniture, clothes or household items and turn them into something new and exciting for someone you love. It’s creative, thoughtful, and sustainable.

Get some inspiration from the pros selling on Etsy.

6. Give time and attention  

Christian theologian and activist Simone Weil once said, “attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” In our era of smartphones and algorithms and distraction, giving your time, energy and attention to someone might be the best gift you can give! 

Babysitting so a couple can have a night out? Gardening help for an elderly family member? You could even pledge your time in a card with an explanation and deadline, so they know you mean business. 

7. Donate in someone’s name 

Make a donation to a cause that matters to a friend or loved one. Whether it’s a local or international cause, a gift has the power to make a real difference in someone’s life or for the environment. It’s personal, meaningful, and aligns perfectly with the Christmas spirit of giving. 

You can even make an online donation as a ‘secret santa’ gift to your loved one.

8. Give a digital or subscription gift 

Subscriptions to streaming services, audiobooks or digital magazines eliminate the need for physical products and packaging. You can even gift memberships to services like a virtual yoga class or an online creative workshop. It’s a way to give something fun and useful without adding clutter or waste. 

9. Give homemade 

There’s something extra special about a gift that’s been made by hand. Whether it’s baked goods, homemade jam, or a hand-knitted scarf, these kinds of presents are personal and meaningful. They also avoid the environmental footprint of mass-produced goods and packaging. 

Get some inspiration from Adamstown Uniting Church ‘s Pudding Kitchen.

10. Give sustainably 

If you do want to buy something new, choose gifts from companies that are committed to sustainable practices. Look for products that are organic, fair trade or made from recycled materials. Ethical shopping means your money is going toward businesses that are trying to make a positive impact on the world. 

Vote for a better world with your choices this Christmas – but don’t stop there.  

We know that overcoming the global challenges we face, especially the climate crisis, requires more than individual action. We need transformative changes to our political, economic, and social systems to truly tackle the root causes of climate breakdown. 

But individual choices are still important. They send signals to businesses and policymakers, spark essential conversations within our communities, and build momentum for the collective action needed to drive systemic change. 

While our gifts may seem small, the shift in mindset it represents is powerful.  

This Christmas, let your choices be part of a larger movement to protect our planet. Together, we can push for the deep, structural changes the world needs and inspire much-needed hope along the way. 

 Original artwork in header image by Cocoon Creative for our SHOP FOR THE PLANET gift card.

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