Embracing our Intercultural Community 

by Rev Malcolm Scanlon, Mission Accompanying Team

Across the life of the Synod, interculturalism sits at the heart of who we are and who we are becoming. We are called to be a church that supports, welcomes and reflects the rich diversity of Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities that form part of our churches, congregations and faith communities across Queensland. 

As part of the Mission Accompanying Team, I have the privilege of walking alongside communities in this space. This work is about listening deeply, learning from one another, and creating places of belonging where culture, language and faith are honoured and shared. Some communities are just beginning to ask what intercultural ministry might look like for them. Others have been faithfully living this calling for many years. All of these journeys matter. 

We know that this work can sometimes feel challenging. Questions around language, culture, leadership, worship and community life do not always have simple answers. If your community is feeling unsure, stretched or curious about what the next step might be, please know that you are not alone. Support, conversation and guidance are available, and I would be glad to walk with you as you discern what is right for your context. 

I am also continually encouraged by the many good news stories already alive across the Synod. There are powerful examples of communities worshipping, serving and leading together across cultures in ways that bring new life and deeper connection. These stories are a gift. When they are shared, they strengthen and encourage the whole church. 

Supporting the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union 

The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) is a partner church with The Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu, Te Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT). 
There is a strong alignment between the EKT and UCA churches. Due to the UCA’s congregational base, it is an appropriate partner church. The UCA began in 1977, bringing the Methodist, Congregational and many Presbyterian churches together. 

UCAQ has agreed to join with EKT to achieve their aim of nourishing and sustaining the faith of Tuvalu migrants in Australia. As migrants integrate into Australian society, the UCAQ will walk with EKT by forming faith communities, so Tuvaluans can assemble to conduct Sunday worship and bible studies across our 180 locations across Queensland, as members of the UCA. We are also committed to finding locations for the diaspora to assemble to conduct Sunday worship, as a faith community in the Uniting Church. 

If your community would value support in intercultural ministry, or if you have a story you feel called to share, I warmly invite you to get in touch. You can contact me directly, or connect with the Synod communications team, who are eager to help share these stories more widely. 

As we listen to one another and walk together, we grow into the church God is shaping us to be. I look forward to continuing this journey with you. 

Rev Malcolm Scanlan 
Mission Accompanying Team
Email: mission@ucaqld.com.au