A Pastoral Letter from the Moderator - 9 April 2026

Dear friends in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and the One in whom all people find their dignity, worth, and hope.

In recent days and weeks, many across our communities have watched with deep concern the public statements and rhetoric emerging from leadership beyond our shores. Some of these words have been alarming in their tone and deeply troubling in their implications for the dignity of human life, the health of civil society, and the fragile work of peace among nations. Recent reporting has highlighted concerns from legal and human rights bodies that such rhetoric may further endanger civilians and weaken democratic norms.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to see every human being as made in the image of God. Human life is never expendable. Civil society — built on truth, justice, compassion, accountability, and mutual respect — is not merely a political arrangement, but a reflection of our shared humanity and our calling to love our neighbour.

When public discourse becomes marked by hostility, contempt, or threats toward human life and the common good, the Church cannot remain silent. Our faith compels us to speak with courage and compassion.

We affirm that every person, regardless of nation, race, religion, or political allegiance, bears the sacred imprint of the Creator. The desecration of human dignity, whether through words, policies, violence, or indifference, grieves the heart of God.

The prophet Micah reminds us of what the Lord requires: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). In times when power is exercised without humility, when truth is distorted, or when fear is used to divide, the Church must become a community of truth-telling, mercy, and moral witness.

This is not about partisan politics. It is about the Gospel.

Jesus stood always with the vulnerable, the marginalised, and those whose lives were treated as less than worthy. He challenged the powers of his day whenever they crushed the poor, denied justice, or diminished life. As the Body of Christ in this moment, we are called to do the same.

I encourage our congregations and faith communities, agencies, schools and other ministries to pray for peace, for wisdom among world leaders, and for the protection of all whose lives are placed at risk by reckless words and actions.

May we also renew our commitment here in Australia to nurture communities where dignity is upheld, truth is honoured, and every life is cherished.

Let us be people who refuse the normalisation of cruelty.

Let us be people who resist the erosion of compassion.

Let us be people who embody the reconciling love of Christ.

In anxious times, the Church is called not to fear, but to faithfulness. May the Spirit grant us courage, wisdom, and grace.

Yours in the peace of Christ,

Bruce

Rev Bruce Moore

Moderator,

Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod