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
Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
As I write I am surrounded by the energy of Spring. The growth, and beauty of plants in their season of growth and flowering is spellbinding.
Christmas Bowl webinar
How can the church speak about peace this Christmas?
Your are invited to join online for a pastoral and hopeful conversation of faith and peace.
The session will include a thoughtful reflection from Rev John Gilmore, President of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), and an update from the field by Act for Peace staff.
When: Thursday 13 November 2025 6:30–7:30pm AEDT (Syd/Melb/Canb)
Prayer for Peace
Pope Leo’s prayer for mutual coexistence
Jesus, Lord of our history,
Faithful companion and living presence,
You who never tire of coming to meet us,
Here we are, in need of your peace.
Advent and Christmas Resources 2025
Prayers & Reflections from our ecumenical community
As we prepare for the Feast of the Nativity we share with you some reflections and resources from our members and their networks.
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.