WA Synod 2025 – Saturday 13 September Highlights

Lay and ordained members elected from our Uniting Church WA congregations and faith communities of the Presbytery of Western Australia, schools, colleges and agencies came together for fellowship, to discern, and to discuss issues of importance in the life of the Uniting Church in Australia, Western Australia, and the wider community. They gathered for the 49th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025 at Wesley College in South Perth.

“We are called to commit ourselves, under God, to be on the way together. May we meet in the Spirit of Christ!”

These were the concluding words of the Moderator’s charge at the opening of the 49th Synod of Western Australia with opening worship led by Moderator Rev Dr Ian Tozer.

In his sermon Ian reflected on the words from Isaiah, “Do not be afraid, I am with you, says the Lord, I have called you by name. You are mine.” He shared with us his belief that these are words for us as individuals, for us in community and for us today.
Our worship time concluded with the meeting being constituted by the General Secretary, Rev Dr Andrew Williams.

The business session of the Synod was then underway. Moderator Rev Dr Ian Tozer presented his report to the Synod, giving particular mention and thanks to our many dedicated volunteers who give so much of their time to serving the church.
Rev Dr Andrew Williams presented the General Secretary’s report, giving special mention and thanks to the Synod staff.

A Minute of Appreciation was recorded for Tim Fallows, Executive Officer Property who will be finishing in his role at the end of this month.

We were delighted to welcome our Uniting Church in Australia Assembly visitors, President Rev Charissa Suli and General Secretary Andrew Johnson who presented an engaging Assembly report sharing news and developments from the national church. Charissa spoke of some of recent highlights of her time as President so far including celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Uniting Church declaring itself to be a multicultural church, working for justice and truth telling, and working with our CALD communities. She encouraged us to “hold the threads of love as we continue to journey alongside each other.” Andrew Johnson’s presentation included an update on the Assembly office, UCA national agencies, UnitingCare Australia, Frontier Services and UnitingWorld, as well as an update on the work the next stage of Act 2.

Minutes of appreciation were recorded for Fiona Bentley for her many years of service on the Resources Commission and the Synod Property Board. A minute of appreciation was also recorded for the late Brian Gluestein for his many years of voluntary service to the Uniting Church WA in various roles.

Susy Thomas, Ex-Moderator gave the Moderatorial Nominating Committee report and introduced the Candidates for Moderator-Elect to the Synod. Voting would follow later in the afternoon.

Further presentations and reports followed including a report and proposal by the Property Trust, and the Presbytery of WA report presented by current Presbytery chairperson Rev Steve Francis. Heather Hamblin in presenting her Nominating Committee report recorded a Minute of Appreciation for Helen McMillan, Chairperson of the WA Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF), with thanks extended to the present and past members of the UCAF. The Moderator led then led us in prayer acknowledging and giving thanks to the WA UCAF.

Saturday Afternoon at the 49th Synod of WA

Our Saturday afternoon session began with a bible study led by Rev Dr Bill Loader who joined us via zoom.

Reports were given by Rev Robert Jetta and Rev Mitchell Garlett for the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) WA Regional Committee, the Covenanting Commission and for the Beananging Kwuurt Institute (BKI). A proposal to increase proceeds of sale of property allocated to UAICC WA Congress from 1% to 5% was passed with consensus. This decision now brings us in line with many other Synods.

Minutes of Appreciation were recorded for Rev Denis Doust and Rev Dr Alison Longworth for their many years of ministry and service to the Covenanting Commission and support of WA Congress.

The Uniting Church WA schools and agencies session included a focus on the work of our agencies. John Berger, Executive Officer Caring Agencies, shared a presentation on behalf of the agencies. Rev Dr Andrew Williams then had a Q&A session with the CEO’s of the three agencies, where we were able to learn further aspects of their work, and the importance of the connection between the agencies and congregations. Table discussions with representatives from the schools and agencies followed. Minutes of Appreciation for individuals on behalf of the schools and agencies were noted with thanks.

The Moderator and Alison Xamon then guided us through a special Celebration of Ministry, recognising people on the journey of ministry from candidates through to Ordination milestones. Special mention was given to Rev Don Pederick who marks 69 years of ordination, and will turn 100 at the end of the week! The Moderator then gave thoughtful recognition to Uniting Church WA ministers who have died since we last met as a Synod, and lead us in a time of prayer.

The International Partnerships and Development Commission report was presented by current Chairperson of the IPDC Kerry Povey. Kerry outlined developments in our unique Synod international partnerships with Fundacao Lafaek Diak (FLD) in East Timor, a Christian University in Kupang, West Timor and with Gereja Kristin Injili di Tanah Papua (GKI church in Papua) and the Black Pearl Network in the Papuan Provinces.

The Social Justice Commission report was presented by Co-Chairs Dr Alison Atkinson-Phillips and Rev Dr Elaine Ledgerwood sharing news of some of the advocacy and resourcing of congregations that have taken place over the last year, and updates about the Justice Hive initiative.

Two proposals presented by members of the Social Justice Commission were passed by consensus – one in regards to advocacy and action on Climate Care and Net Zero Emmissions; and a proposal encouraging non-violent, anti-genocide action in support of peace and justice for the people of Palestine.

Following the evening meal people were invited to gather for a quiet vigil for peace and justice in the holy lands led by Rev Sophia Lizares. People were invited to place olive branches around the Christ candle in a time of prayer and reflection.

A New Moderator-Elect for the Synod of WA

As we gathered for the Saturday evening business session, Rev David Jackson was named Moderator-Elect of the Synod of Western Australia. The announcement was received with joyful applause!

Following the announcement, made by Uniting Church WA General Secretary Rev Dr Andrew Williams, David was invited to respond to the gathered members where he shared his great enthusiasm and humble thanks in being entrusted with the role. Past-Moderator Rev Steve Francis, then lead the Synod in prayer for David and for the church.

You can learn more about Rev David Jackson here – Introducing Moderator-Elect Rev David Jackson.