Uniting Church in Australia

The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) was established on 22 June 1977 when most congregations of the Methodist Church of Australasia, the Presbyterian Church of Australia and the Congregational Union of Australia came together under the Basis of Union.

The range of theology perspectives in the UCA is broad, reflecting its origins and ecumenism. The theology can be typified as mainline Protestantism with a commitment to social justice. The Uniting Church is governed by a number of non-hierarchical inter-related councils which each have responsibility for various functions or roles within the denomination. The National Assembly meets every 3 years. The State Synod meets every 18 months. The Regional Presbytery administers over 80 churches and the elected members of each Church Council govern each church congregation.

The Uniting Church has a strongly felt and argued sense of social justice. UnitingCare as a whole is the largest operator of general social care activities in Australia, including being the largest operator of aged care facilities. Other activities include “central missions”; shelters and emergency housing for men, women and children; family relationships support; disability services; and food kitchens for underprivileged people.