One Church, One Moment: A Call to Gather the Church in October 2026

Leaders and members of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT are being invited to commit now to a significant moment in the life of the Church: ONE, a new Synod-wide event to be held from 29–31 October 2026, with a Pre-Event Leaders’ Day on 29 October.

More than a standard event, ONE is being shaped as a purposeful gathering, an opportunity for the Church to come together in a time of change, renewal, and shared mission.

“I have always believed that unity is the founding charism - the founding gift - of the Uniting Church,” says the General Secretary, Rev. Dr Peter Walker. “We exist as a Church because God gave those who went before us a vision of unity. ONE will be a special moment to renew ourselves in the that gift and vision.

A Gathering for Renewal and Mission

The event will bring together people from across congregations, agencies, schools, and ministries for two days of worship, learning, conversation, and encouragement.

“ONE  invites us anew into Christ’s prayer ‘that they may all be ONE,’ (John 17:21). It calls us to participate in God’s mission of the renewal of all things, and to strengthen the relationships and trust that weave us together,” wrote Rev. Glen Spencer, Director of Mission about the vision for the event.

“This is an opportunity to think creatively about how our shared faith and Gospel is lived out in common witness, that Christ’s prayer for being made ONE  is transforming our communities today. Come and be part of this story that God is inviting you into, knowing that we are indeed ONE  in Christ, sent out into God’s world with faith, love, and enduring hope.”

The keynote speaker line-up reflects this breadth diversity of perspective.

• Andrew Root brings an international voice, known for his work on theology, culture, and the challenges of faith in a secular age. His insights into ministry in a changing world are likely to resonate with many navigating similar questions locally.
• Fa Matangi offers a deeply grounded perspective shaped by intercultural and intergenerational ministry. Her lived experience — holding together identity, culture, and faith — speaks directly into the realities of a diverse and evolving Church.
• Rick Dacey, as host and Senior Minister of Wesley Mission, brings a focus on lived faith — how the gospel is expressed in practical service, community care, and everyday discipleship.
• Robyn Whitaker contributes a critical and public-facing theological voice, helping connect Scripture with contemporary questions of justice, power, and society. Her work reminds the Church that theology is not abstract, it shapes how we live and act in the world.

Renew the Church’s Shared Calling

At its heart, ONE is designed to strengthen relationships and renew the Church’s shared calling in a complex and changing world. It also places a strong emphasis on engaging younger and emerging leaders, recognising their vital role in shaping the future mission of the Church and our calling to be One in Christ.

Participants will be invited to explore faith, leadership, and mission through five key streams:

• Grow: Focusing on discipleship, leadership development, and spiritual formation
• Connect: Building relationships, belonging, and a shared sense of identity
• Innovate: Exploring new expressions of ministry and fresh approaches to mission
• Create: Engaging worship, imagination, and creative practice
• Advocate: Equipping especially younger adults to pursue justice, sustainability, and faithful action

Each stream reflects a different dimension of the Church’s life, offering both practical tools and space for reflection as communities discern how to respond to the opportunities ahead.

While further program and registration details will be released shortly, church leaders are being asked to act now.

Leaders and members across the Synod are encouraged to:

• Save the date and prioritise the conference in planning for 2026
• Encourage ministers, lay leaders, and key members to attend
• Personally invite participants, particularly younger and emerging leaders
• Promote ONE locally through networks and communications

Early commitment is critical to ensure broad participation that reflects the diversity of the Uniting Church.

One Church, One Moment

In a time often marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, ONE is grounded in a different vision: a Church shaped by unity, hope, justice, and reconciliation.

This gathering offers a chance not only to reconnect, but to listen for where God is leading our Church next.

Leaders and members across the Synod are encouraged to save the date, begin conversations, and commit to being part of ONE.

Registrations will open soon, in the meantime, visit the One website for more information.

One Church, One Moment

This isn’t just another gathering. It’s a moment to come together, reconnect, and listen for where God is calling our Church next.

Leaders and members across the Synod are strongly encouraged to save the date, start the conversation now, and make a clear commitment to be part of ONE.

Registrations are opening soon, so don’t miss your chance to be there.

Visit the One website for more information.