The Transition Commission Begins Its Work

A full complement of the Transition Commission met for the first time on 9 December, with the Chair, Sharon Flynn and the three Presbytery Transition Leaders offering early reflections on what they have been doing and hearing across the church. Their reports gave a clear sense of the work already underway and the questions emerging as Presbyteries move toward forming three new presbyteries.

Sharon described the shift into her role and the volume of conversations taking place. A combination of “seeking people out and listening to those who have approached her” she said, noting the importance of staying grounded amid different perspectives.

Her early work has focused on building context and engaging individually with each of the volunteer members and Synod Mission Services leaders. She also described the handover of Conversations That Matter and a recent meeting with Presbytery business managers about the Presbytery Resourcing Fund, which she described as “a very positive and productive discussion.” Sharon emphasised that her role differs from the presbytery leaders, explaining, “I’m talking to lots of people, learning a lot of things, getting context, and working closely with the team to create a structure to make this whole thing work.”

The Southern Presbytery Transition Leader, Amy Junor reflected on an intense first month, beginning with the leadership retreat in early November. Much of her early work has centred on understanding administrative processes and the history of collaboration across the South. She has been hearing from existing presbytery staff and reviewing material from a September retreat and has noted ongoing conversations about “the particulars of regional and rural ministry as they exist… in the South and in other parts of the Synod.” She also commented on guidance material being developed for the Systems, Technology, Information and Reporting workstream.

The Central Presbytery Transition Leader Rev. Ann Perrin described a rapid transition, with only three weeks between appointment and commencement. She spoke of a visit to Broken Hill to participate in a life and witness process. As part of her orientation to the work of the Transition Commission Ann noted that she has been “learning new terms, like scope of work,” and commented that it has already become “part of my vocabulary.” Over the past weeks, she has introduced herself at presbytery council meetings across Sydney, Parramatta Nepean, and Macquarie Darling, sharing early updates on the Commission’s work. She has also been making herself available, supporting conversations about emerging needs.

The Northern Presbytery Transition Leader, Rev. Graham Ghavalas Perry offered reflections from a longer involvement in the broader Presbytery project, tracing his work back through the stewardship and discernment summits over 2023 and 2024. Graham described having seen “the great diversity that there is in the Church, including the diversity of its capacity” across different regions. His early weeks have centred on conversations with chairs, Presbytery ministers, and staff across the five presbyteries that will form the new northern Presbytery. He said he is encouraged that they are “really on board with moving forward into this new way of being the Uniting Church.”

Plans are now being made for visits and listening sessions to understand the concerns and expectations emerging in each context.

The Transition Commission opened an early discussion about timelines and staffing models. Sharon pointed to the need for flexibility in our design, suggesting that Presbyteries may configure roles differently depending on the contextual needs in each Presbytery.

Key take-aways from this conversation included:

·       the need for a clear timeline and what might or might not be achievable by July 2026.

·       that the Regional Partnership Presbyteries need to transition by June 30, 2026.

·       introduction of the term "3P Day", to mark the date chosen for the dissolution and reform of presbyteries

·       recognising that our approach to transition (not just the act of transition) will renew our culture and values.

Feedback emphasised the need for a balance between timeliness and rigor in the transition process. Differentiating between a technical point of transition, in the short term (i.e. 1^st July), whilst allowing time and space for the renewal of cultural, pastoral, and “business like” processes under the stewardship of the Commission, through to Synod in April 2027.

Overall, the first meeting set a constructive tone, with leaders sharing what they have heard and signalling a commitment to steady, collaborative work. Their reports made clear that the transition has begun in earnest, supported by early listening, practical planning, and a growing sense of shared purpose.

The commission will meet again on the 3 & 17 February, and 3 March from 6:30 to 8:30.

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Overall, the first meeting set a constructive tone, with leaders sharing what they have heard and signalling a commitment to steady, collaborative work. Their reports made clear that the transition has begun in earnest, supported by early listening, practical planning, and a growing sense of shared purpose.