A landmark proposal was passed by agreement on Day 3 of Synod 2025 to reshape the life and structure of the Uniting Church in NSW and ACT.

The proposal recommended dissolving the current 12 Presbyteries and forming three new regional Presbyteries: Northern, Central, and Southern.

All three proposals in the Presbytery Project were passed after extensive deliberation and discernment by agreement.

Rev. Jane Fry, outgoing General Secretary, bought Rev. Dr Robert McFarlane and David Rudd to the stage to thank them for the huge amount of work that has been done by both to bring the proposal to the Synod.

“This is simply a miracle! There is a special sort of servant leadership that is embodied in these two people,” said Rev. Fry of the work done by Rev. Dr Robert McFarlane and David Rudd.

“Their graciousness, dedication, faith and hope has been simply extraordinary. And we would not be here without the huge amount of work done. David’s capacity to drink from a firehose of information is extraordinary. Robert McFarlane’s ability to sustaining process and lead the Church and hang in there is similarly extraordinary. I can’t even begin to state the huge amount of faithful work that has been done by Robert and David over the last 18 months. Make sure you share the love!”

Rural voices

Animated discussion, deliberation and discussion from the floor included those of rural voices.

“It’s about us being in relationship and understanding that every voice is important. Who are the voices that are being silenced simply,”: Dr Denise Wood. “The principles will inform the way we will act as Presbyteries. It’s up to us that we continue to work as one. This is a new time and a new age. We make use of the technology that enables us to connect across geography.”

“Rural people want a seat at the table,” Tony Shumack reiterated.

Animated discussion around staffing models also arose during the conversation, in terms of diversity, inclusion and job security within each of the existing presbyteries and whether job descriptions change. There was an affirmation in the recommendations that presbyteries would honour existing funding arrangements.

Why this change?

The new “3P model” is designed to tackle several challenges:

• Unequal distribution of staffing, ministry placements, and resources.
• Limited support for congregations dealing with compliance and mission needs.
• Complex structures slowing down decision making and new ministry opportunities.
• Cultural and behavioural habits that no longer serve the church’s current context.

Managing the transition

Recognising the size of this shift, the proposal sets out a careful transition process with a dedicated Transition Commission and Principles which will guide this work, supported by Synod staff and leaders, and by staff teams from each new Presbytery.

The church, guided by the Basis of Union and led by the Commission for Transition, has set out principles to shape its move toward new ways of working:

Keep congregations and communities central to mission and decision-making.

• Use shared resources for the common good.
• Refine Presbytery staffing so it is practical, sustainable, and supports mission — with transitional leadership, clearer roles, and reduced duplication.
• Keep structures simple and focused on the future.
• Work together through collaboration, connection, and ongoing communication.
• Stay open to learning and adjusting along the way.
• Make better use of technology and shared systems.
• Honour cultural integrity, embracing the diversity, character, and theology of the Uniting Church in NSW and ACT.

The transition is expected to run until Synod 2027.

To help resource the new structure, a Presbytery Resource Fund (PRF) has been created. Funded by property sales and other income, the PRF will support staffing and mission work in the new Presbyteries. A committee representing all Presbyteries will manage the fund and advise Synod. Each Presbytery could have a staff team of around 12 to 14 people.

The proposal is closely connected with the Blended Ecology strategy adopted at Synod 2023, which focuses on renewal and church planting. It is also aligned with the national Act2 project, to allow better implementation without changing church regulations.

The Synod has taken a bold step to simplify structures, strengthen mission, and better support congregations by moving toward a new three-Presbytery model.