Marking a New Chapter: The Induction of Ann Perrin as Leader of the Central Presbytery

Rev. Ann Perrin was inducted as Presbytery Transition Leader for the Central Presbytery on January 31 at Hoskins Memorial Uniting Church Lithgow.

The service marked an important moment in the life of the church, signalling both an ending and a beginning as three presbyteries move toward becoming one.

Rev. Perrin’s role is focused on creating the space for the Presbyteries of Sydney, Parramatta Nepean, and Macquarie Darling to dissolve and reform as the Central Presbytery. This careful and attentive work involves honouring history while making room for something new, listening deeply across communities, and holding together people, place, and purpose during a season of change.

The induction also represented a significant step toward the implementation of the three presbytery vision that emerged during the Year of Discernment in 2024 and was adopted by the full Synod meeting in July 2025. After a period of prayer, conversation, and collective listening, this vision is now moving from discernment into action.

This is not a vision about presbyteries for their own sake. It is a vision focused on how congregations can be most effectively supported and empowered for faithful ministry in their local contexts. Structural change is understood as meaningful only insofar as it serves the life of the church on the ground, enabling communities to flourish, connect, and respond to God’s call in their own places.

The General Secretary, the Rev Dr Peter Walker, offered a transformative message that spoke with clarity and hope about leadership, trust, and the work of the Spirit in times of transition. His words grounded the moment in faith, reminding those gathered that change, while often unsettling, can also be a gift.

A presentation bringing together the symbols of ministry bread, wine, water, and the Word alongside expressions of the geographical, cultural, and theological diversity of the three presbyteries formed part of the service. This embodied act spoke powerfully of unity without uniformity, and of a shared calling shaped by many voices and experiences.

The service was led with great care by the Chairperson of Macquarie Darling Presbytery, Dr Denise Wood. She was supported by the chairs of the Sydney and Parramatta Nepean Presbyteries, the Rev’s Graeme Tutt and Geoff Stevenson, whose presence underscored the collaborative spirit at the heart of this transition.

As Rev. Ann Perrin’s induction offered a clear sense of shared commitment, hope and expectation. The formation of the Central Presbytery is a sign of the Church seeking to listen, to adapt, and to order its life in ways that better serve God’s mission among its people.

Photos supplied by Rev. Robert McFarlane

Rev. Perrin’s role is focused on creating the space for the Presbyteries of Sydney, Parramatta Nepean, and Macquarie Darling to dissolve and reform as the Central Presbytery. This careful and attentive work involves honouring history while making room for something new, listening deeply across communities, and holding together people, place, and purpose during a season of change.