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.
2025 Christmas Messages from Leaders of Christian Churches in Australia
There are competing narratives that call for our attention. Some are political, others negative, frightening and discouraging….
The Christmas narrative is strong, contrasting and builds hope and life for all. Its message remains strong and clear.
WCC Christmas message 2025
“Holy Family, Holy Faith”
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to all people on earth.
We share the Christmas Message 2025 from the World Council of Churches
Joint Statement on recent ceasefire in Gaza
Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem release a statement in the hope for an end to the war in Gaza.
[The Almighty] makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.
He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:9–10)
NCCA STATEMENT – 7 October 2025
With deep sadness and grief at the actions of Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the killing of 1200 Israelis and the taking of hostages; and with the ongoing deaths of Palestinians and Israelis and the destruction of Gaza in the two years since, the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) carries heavy hearts and continuing prayers for peace with justice for the people of Palestine and Israel.
Human Rights
Churches Urge Action on Australia’s Human Rights Record ahead of UN Review
Ahead of Australia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in January 2026, the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and the World Council of Churches have jointly submitted a comprehensive report highlighting both progress and persistent human rights challenges.
Safe Church
Past time for national Working with Children Checks system
4 July 2025
NCCA Statement : NCCA Calls for urgent implementation of national Working with Children Check system
“We cannot wait any longer when children and vulnerable people are at risk.” General Secretary Liz Stone.
A Call to End Apartheid, Occupation, and Impunity in Palestine and Israel
The World Council of Churches Statement on Palestine and Israel
24 June 2025
The central committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed “deep lamentation and outrage” as the crisis in Palestine and Israel escalates to levels that flagrantly violate international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the most basic principles of morality.
NCCA Statement on the Escalation of War in the Middle East
24 June 2025
FOUNDATION OF HOPE IN PRAYER FOR GAZA AND MIDDLE EAST REGION
They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, “Peace, peace’, when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:14)
We cannot remain silent in the face of the developing war and conflict in the Middle East.
Pacific Churches condemn militarised escalation
MEDIA STATEMENT – Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC)
Suva, Fiji – 23 June 2025
Pacific Conference of Churches Condemns Militarised Escalation: Pacific Airspace Must Not Be a Staging Ground for War
“The Pacific cannot be a pawn in global warfare,” said Rev. James Bhagwan, PCC General Secretary.
In the News
Episcopal (Anglican) Statement condemns attack at Ahli Hospital, Gaza City, 5 June 2025
Around 10:20 am local time, Israeli forces fired inside the compound of the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, killing three and wounding thirty other bystanders.
NCCA joins civil society sign on statement
NCCA joins the Quakers in signing their civil society sign on statement.
Australia’s military trade is not transparent.
Policy experts describe defence export systems as “at best opaque and at worst negligently poor”.
NCCA Statement
NCCA condemns hate crimes, urges prayer for communal harmony
23 May 2025
The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) restates our condemnation of hate crimes and acts of terror directed towards any person especially people of faith and people of ethnic minorities.
Tribute to Pope Francis, ecumenical prophet of mercy
“Pope Francis’s papacy has been a great gift to the ecumenical movement, and he has been a dedicated collaborator in our efforts toward Christian unity and reconciliation and a prophetic voice for peace, the environment, and justice everywhere.”
New hate crime laws
The Australian Government and the NSW Government recently updated their hate crime laws.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have prepared an Explainer to better understand the implications of these changes.
NCCA Annual Review
2023- 2024
NCCA General Secretary, Ms Liz Stone, has presented the NCCA Annual Review for 2023-2024. The Annual Review contains information relating to the activities and programs of the National Council of Churches in Australia.