WA Synod 2026 – Sunday 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, agencies and reporting bodies 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 50th Annual Meeting of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Western Australia, for the Opening Worship and Celebration of Ministry service on Friday 11 September at All Saints Floreat Uniting Church, and for two days of listening, discussion and prayerful discernment as a community of faith on Saturday 12 September to Sunday 13 September 2026 at The Hub, Technology Park in Bentley, WA.
Sunday at our 50th Synod of WA
We gathered at the Bentley Technology Hub for the second day of our 50th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia.
Sunday morning began with worship and Holy Communion, led by our Moderator Rev David Jackson. Bible readings from Genesis 50:15-21 and Romans 4:1-12 were read by Rev Susan Lord and Rev Craig Bosman. Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli shared the sermon, reflecting on these readings and asking “What kind of Pilgrim People are we?”
Following our worship time the Social Justice Commission, led by Social Justice Officer Tim Snobar, held a thought provoking panel discussion on the topic of ‘Faith and Artificial Intelligence’. Guests panelists were Dr Jacob Martin, Dunja Lewis, along with Rev Sophia Lizares from the Social Justice Commission. Synod members were invited to submit questions to the panel before the session which the panelists shared their thoughts on, giving a range of perspectives to consider.
After our morning tea break Synod General Secretary David Beards introduced a session focusing on our joint Synod and Presbytery Strategic Priorities, developed following the Strategic Framework approved at the 2022 Synod and subsequent discussions in 2024. They are:
- Strengthening Congregations
- Strategic Properties
- Increasing financial stability and sustainability
- Strengthening the Covenant
He shared that “although we describe them as four separate priorities, they are deeply connected.” David gave an overview of the current work being undertaken in the four strategic priority areas. Then Rev Claire Pickering, Presbytery Officer, Strategic Priorities, provided some insights on the area of Strengthening Congregations and Rev Luke Williams shared and facilitated a session focused on new and renewed forms of ministry after which people gathered in table groupings for discussion.
The Nominating Committee announced the results of nominations for Synod Commissions and Committees. After a formal voting process, Fiona Bentley was appointed to the position of Chair of the Uniting Church Property Trust (WA) and Deborah Marshall to the position of Chair of the Board of Finance and Investment , both for a term of two years. Thank you Fiona and Deborah, and to all who have joined or continue to serve on our Synod commissions and committees!
Announced also were the results of the election of members to the 18th Assembly in Adelaide next year. Elected members are:
Ordained: Rev Ana Lea’aetoa, Rev Craig Bosman, Rev Judy Sanderson, Rev Luke Williams, Rev Reuben Edmonds, Rev Roy Alexander Surjanegara, Rev Sione Lea’aetoa and Rev Sophia Lizares
Lay Members: Alison Xamon, Heather Hamblin, Jen Park, Ps Lindsay Ginn, Yvonne Robinson, Manasa Nawanawa (Youthful), Morwenna (Minna) Rankine (Youthful), Andrew Rankine (Youthful).
The Moderator Rev David Jackson led a time of reflection on valuing our volunteers. In response to one of the key priorities of the Synod in Strengthening Congregations, David shared some of his insights this year as he and his colleagues have been travelling into the regions, bringing clusters of congregations together, thanking volunteers for their service, and listening to their experiences of mission and ministry. So far, gatherings have been held in Metro East, Metro Central, the South-West, and Wheatbelt, with further gatherings planned. David shared that the gatherings have “reminded us that the strength of our Church does not ultimately lie in its buildings, committees or structures. It lies in people.”
Following David’s sharing, people were invited to take part in an activity where they had an opportunity to name and/or recognise attributes of volunteers in their own communities, writing responses on paper leaves, and then placing them on a board creating a vine of volunteer recognition.
After lunch we welcomed Dr Ali Robinson, Lecturer in the New Testament at United Theological College in Sydney, to share her second bible study for the weekend. This was on the topic ‘Called for a Ministry of Reconciliation’, reflecting on the bible passage from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Thanks to Dr Ali for her thoughtful and engaging Bible studies.
After a devotion led by the Moderator’s Chaplain Rev Craig Bosman and final housekeeping notices, General Secretary David Beards shared some words of thanks to staff, volunteers, guest speakers, members and visitors who helped make our 50th Synod happen, and our meeting was drawn to a close.
You can read about our Saturday 50th Synod highlights here.
More photos from our Sunday morning worship service:
More photos from Sunday at our 50th Synod:
Article and photos by Wendy Hendry, Executive Officer: Communications.