How We Work

The NCCA gathers together Churches and Christian communities which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures. We commit to deepen our relationship with each other and to work together towards the fulfilment of common witness, proclamation and service, to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Articles By This Author

World Council of Churches

News 

  • WCC demands immediate ceasefire, humanitarian corridors in Palestine and Israel
  • Violence against Palestinians is rising in the West Bank

Blessing of the Christmas Bowls

Online Liturgy 
All welcome!
A ‘blessing of the bowls’ liturgy will be offered online via Zoom this year, followed by an update from Act for Peace field staff about programs that receive funding through the Christmas Bowl. 
When: Wednesday 29 November 2023, 7:00 -8:00 pm AEDT (Can, Syd, Melb, Hob.)

Act For Peace

Gifts for Peace
Give a meaningful gift this Christmas. 
Struggling to know what to give this Christmas? Why not consider a Gift for Peace. As we reflect on the extraordinary gift of love and compassion that Christ has given us this Christmas season, Gifts for Peace offers a practical way to share His example with those around us.

First Nations

Raising Voices 

  • Indigenous Theology Conference: Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution 5-8 February 2024, Melbourne VIC
  • Watch: Dr Stan Grant Wiradjuri man and journalist speaking at the Queensland UCA Synod in October.

Safe Church Program

News

  • 16Days of Activism: against gender based violence from 25 November to 10 December. 
  • Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool: developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission with support from UNICEF
  • International Day of People with Disability: respecting diversity and promoting equity in your church

NCCA Ltd new Board member

At the NCCA Annual General Meeting on 1 November 2023, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese was elected as a new Director of the company.

Pacific Conference of Churches

Break the Silence Sunday – Liturgy 
The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) offers the global community a liturgy for ‘Break the Silence Sunday’, observed the Sunday prior to November 25.
The pdf packet includes background to the commemoration, liturgical and other resources for use prior to, or during the 16Days of Activism (Nov 25 – Dec 10).

Talanoa Oceania Conference 2024

Save the date – Call for papers 
Talanoa Oceania facilitates the gathering of Pasifika peoples from home islands and the diaspora to share, engage, create and reflect theologically.
When/Where: 4 – 6 April 2024 at the United Theological College, Sydney, NSW.
Theme: Indigeneity: Belongings and Subversions. The call for papers closes on 31 December 2023.

Ecumenical service

Holding the Light 
“Holding the Light” is an ecumenical service remembering victims and survivors of family domestic violence. 
When: Thursday 30 November, 5:00 pm AEDT
Where: Wesley Uniting Church, Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC

Interfaith event

Prayer Service  
Join representatives from the three Abrahamic faiths to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine.
When: Thursday 30 November, 12:30 to 1:00 pm AEDT
Where: St Stephen’s Uniting Church, 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW

December Calendar 2023

December
  1 World AIDS Day
  3 International Day of People with Disabilities
  8 Hanukkah  (Judaism)
  10 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence – ends
  25 Christmas Day – Feast of the Nativity (Western Christian)

Reflection from the President

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
It is impossible to not be impacted by the news images and reports from the Middle East at the moment. 

Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce

News and updates 

  • Refugee Council of Australia: Operation Not Forgotten online briefing – Wednesday 8 November11am AEST
  • Current Advocacy Actions: Petition & Letter of Support

Safe Church Program

Safeguarding news

  • Department of Justice Tasmania: New interim compliance guidance resource available
  • My Pictures Matter: Could your childhood photos help save a child from harm?

Act for Peace

Gaza Update
After more than three weeks of bombing, basic water, sanitation, healthcare, and services have all been decimated. Food, water, fuel and electricity have all been cut off, jeopardising the survival of more than 2 million people in the Gaza strip.
Here’s how you can help. Â