Covenant with First Peoples
Our Story and Ministry Vision
In 1982 at Crystal Creek, just north of Townsville, First Peoples came together, Christian leaders from across Australia. Guided by the Spirit they discerned a vision for a National Congress – a First Peoples movement, within the UCA.
In 1985, the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia unanimously welcomed and agreed to officially support the formation of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.
As First Peoples Christians, we have a rich spiritual and Godly inheritance, and our collective ministries seek to bring this inheritance to life, though localised and renewing expressions of worship, witness and service blessings.
From Calvary to Muth arrak
Calvary UAICC Presbytery was the governing body for First Peoples ministries in Queensland from the late 1980’s to 2020. The legacy of Calvary is far reaching impacts, with the birthing of new ministers, pastors, congregations and enterprises, all supporting holistic ministry as well as economic and emotional wellbeing for First Peoples across the state.
Continual renewing and reconciliation through our walk in Christ within the Uniting Church in Queensland, saw Muth arrak Regional Committee Queensland formed in 2023, and formally engaging in an agreed Terms of Reference with the Queensland Synod in 2025.
The Muth arrak Purpose is for First Peoples to be autonomous and live freely in decision making as we minister with First Peoples and engage all peoples in theological, culturally safe, and holistic ways.
Muth arrak is a Thaynakwith language word which means fire stick and was gifted to the Regional Committee by UAICC Elder Aunty Mary Anne Coconut, of Mapoon and Napranum.
Aunty Mary Anne not only gifted the word, she gifted us a guiding letter which serves as a directional Songline for current and future generations. We acknowledge her spiritual and cultural wisdom and thank her for all she has shared.
At this time we pay our respects the many contributions of Elders past and present who have shared spiritual and cultural wisdom across the life of the UIACC. We acknowledge that pain and suffering they have had to endure during their leadership travels and the great joy and hope they have stewarded into our future. As inheritors of their faithfulness, we commit to continuing in their footsteps, as well as taking new pathways, which are led by the Spirit.
Muth arrak has a Vision to support five pillars of Self-determination, Youth and Young Adults, Communities and Congregations, Leaders of the Future and Partnerships.
Our vision is lived out through the below ministry framework.
Ministry of Peoples
Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness
We will walk together with Aboriginal and Islander peoples and communities to minister and offer works of service that encourage and equip them in knowing the fullness of Christ’s promises for all our lives.
Ministry of Place
Micah 5:2 NIV
2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
We will work together with Aboriginal and Islander peoples and communities to know and breath renewing life into the historical and emerging stories, songs, language and visions of the places where we are engaged in ministry.
Ministry of Governance and Administration
Romans 13:1 NIV
Submission to Governing Authorities
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
We will work together as First and Second peoples of the church to create systems of governance and administration that support self-determination, and steward resources from which God’s people can support ministry activities that promote a flourishing life for Aboriginal and Islander peoples and communities.
Our prayerfully led focus for 2026 – 2028 is to equip the next generation of ministry agents, youth workers and disciples to take their rightful place in congregational leadership and community life.
Current Muth arrak congregations and faith communities located in Zillmere, Aurukun, Napranum, Mornington Island and Townsville.