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.

Reflection from the President

This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:17)

From time to time there is a discussion online, among friends or within the church about what is most important in life…There is an obvious conclusion to this question – our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is most important.

Prayer for Peace

Lord Jesus Christ, our God, who is the Source of life and peace in heaven and on earth, pour out the grace of your peace on a world troubled by war and hatred.

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.

Reflection from the President

And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Paul’s short phrase, ‘and hope does not disappoint us’ is striking.

Ecumenical Officers meet in Sydney

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;

and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord;

and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NRSV)

Prayer for Peace

The Feast of St Francis – 4 October

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Christian Leaders in Jerusalem speak for Justice

A Jerusalem Voice for Justice: an ecumenical witness for equality and a just peace in Palestine/Israel

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

All individuals, both Israelis and Palestinians, must be able to live in full equality, justice, and peace in Palestine/Israel.

Prayer for Peace

St. Dimitrii of Rostov

Come, my Light, and illumine my darkness.

Come, my Life, and revive me from death.

Come, my Physician, and heal my wounds…

Online Lunchtime Prayer and Reflections

Save the dates

The NCCA will be holding two online prayer sessions in the coming weeks. You are warmly invited to register your attendance at either or both of these events.

  • Prayers for Peace: Wednesday 17 September 2025 12:30 pm (AEST)
  • Season of Creation: Wednesday 1 October 2025 12:30 pm (AEST)

Reflection from the President

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).

In a few days more than 600 people from around the world will gather in Stockholm, Sweden to mark the 100 year anniversary of the first conference on Life and Work – one of the precursor gatherings to the formation of the World Council of Churches.

Prayer for Peace

St. Ephraim the Syrian’s Prayer for Peace 

Almighty God and Creator,

You are the Father of all people on earth.

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.

World Council of Churches

News: Gaza faces starvation

Global religious voices are calling for immediate aid and respect for human life,  after the release of a recent report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) which cited a concerningly large proportion of Gazans are now starving.

Reflection from the President

If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (I Corinthians 12:26-27)

Within the Christian community there continues to be a difference in the ways that we express and understand our common faith. At times this can lead to a polarised outcome where one claims to be right and the other is informed that they are wrong.