WA Synod 2025 – Sunday 14 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.

Highlights of Synod 2025 – Sunday 14 September

Our Sunday morning began with worship and holy communion, led by our Moderator Rev Dr Ian Tozer. Bible readings from Romans 12 and John 15 were ready by Rev Susan Lord and Rev Sione Lea’aetoa, and Pastor Julie Ridden read a children’s story book called ‘Wombat Can’t Sing’ by Katie Stewart. In his sermon the Moderator reminded us that Jesus commands us to love as he loved, to love one another and to value the gifts in each other. Holy Communion was shared in table groupings.

Following our worship time David Beards introduced a discussion on our joint Synod and Presbytery Strategic Priorities and people gathered in table groupings to discuss aspects relating to these key priorities. Further business continued which included the passing of the 2026 Synod Budget.

We were joined again by Rev Dr Bill Loader via zoom for our second bible study who expanded on the Moderator’s theme ‘Being in Ministry with Jesus’.

Appreciation for the Outgoing Moderator

Rev Dr Ian Tozer will be concluding his term as Moderator at the end of September, a year earlier than originally planned, due to health concerns. On Sunday afternoon, 14 September, Rev Lorraine Stokes, who has been the Moderator’s Chaplain during his term, paid tribute to Ian, for his many years of ministry and service to the Uniting Church in various placements, and for his notable time as Moderator. In her tribute she noted his love of books, his vast knowledge and memory recall, his gift of expression, his wonderful sense of humour, and his gift of integrity, managing complex matters with sensitivity and confidentiality.

Lorraine concluded saying:

“For two years Ian has had times of enjoyment in the celebrations of the church and wider activities. He has overseen some major overhauls in areas of the church which show great promise for the future of the church in WA. He has exercised great leadership with intelligence and wisdom. His love for God and the church is obvious in all he says and does.
Ian, as a Synod, those whom you have well served, we say thank you for your outstanding service.”

Ian responded with grace and thanks. Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Charissa Suli then sat alongside Ian and led a time of prayer for the Ian, giving thanks for his ministry, and for his family.

We give thanks to God for Ian’s dedicated ministry and leadership, serving our Church as Moderator for the past two years.

General Secretary Rev Dr Andrew Williams wrapped up our business session thanking staff, volunteers, guest speakers and participants who helped make the weekend happen.

Karl Sullivan, a ministry candidate, closed our time together with a brief devotion and time of prayer to reflect on the weekend that was, and nourish us for our journeys home.

Thanks to Wesley College for hosting us over the weekend!

For more news of the 49th Synod see also WA Synod 2025 – Saturday Highlights