Reverend Charissa Suli, 41, was installed as the 17th President of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) during its 17th Assembly held last Thursday at the St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney.
Reverend Suli, a mother of four and daughter of Tongan immigrants, is the first person of colour and the youngest individual to assume this role in the church’s history. Charissa Suli’s presidency extends to 2027.
Reflecting on her journey, Rev Suli shared, “My faith has been a journey of resilience and perseverance. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their calling, no matter the obstacles.”
Her path to leadership has been remarkable, marked by initial discouragement and societal challenges. Despite being told she couldn’t be a minister, Charissa’s determination, supported by her family and community, has led her to this historic moment. Reverend Sharon Hollis, the outgoing President, described Suli’s election as a moment of historical significance, celebrating her as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Reverend Suli says she will bring the values of her culture to her leadership of Australia’s third largest Christian denomination.
“Growing up as a young Tongan woman in a Pacific community, there was never a time when you would turn anyone away even if they turned up to your hours unexpected, uninvited. From a Pasifika heritage, we’re always about being in community. We’re always about what is the process where everyone can be involved.”
Reverend Suli’s presidency is expected to reinforce the Uniting Church’s progressive values, including its advocacy for same-sex marriage and Indigenous rights. Grounded in her Pasifika heritage, she aims to amplify marginalised voices and promote inclusivity within the church.
The UCA had announced Reverend Suli as President-elect back in 2021.
