Theme: Arise and Shine for the Glory of God is Upon You
25–29 August 2026 | Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
The 15th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) brought together Methodist and Uniting Church women from across nine World Areas at the Due Drop Events Centre in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, from 25 to 29 August 2026.
Gathering under the theme, “Arise and Shine for the Glory of God is Upon You,” the Assembly was a time of worship, fellowship, prayer, leadership, cultural sharing and reflection on the mission of Christian women in a changing world.
Drawn from Isaiah 60:1, the theme reminded us that we are called to arise and shine because God’s light has come upon us. It was both an invitation and a challenge: to receive His light, reflect it through our lives and respond faithfully to the needs of our communities and the wider world.
A Celebration of Faith and Cultural Diversity
The Assembly opened on Tuesday, 25 August, with a pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, led by Te Tāpara o te Tini. This was followed by an opening celebration and worship. The procession of Area Banners was a meaningful expression of the worldwide fellowship, bringing together women representing the Federation’s diverse regions and cultures.
Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, preached at the opening worship. Reflecting on Isaiah 60:1–5 and Matthew 5:14–16, she reminded delegates that God’s light comes first. “Arise and Shine” is not another demand for women to work harder, carry more burdens or fix everything. Rather, our response to arise and shine flows from God’s grace and the light already given to us through Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Assembly, speakers highlighted the importance of relationships across cultures and generations. Drawing on Māori understandings of whakapapa and whanaungatanga, they reflected on how communities are shaped by relationships, connection and belonging.
The Assembly also heard stories of women responding to violence, human trafficking, poverty and climate change. These accounts reinforced an important truth: our faith must move beyond words and become action. Another session explored the influence of online “manosphere” communities on young people and the Church’s responsibility to offer an alternative vision of relationships shaped by the life and love of Jesus.
Learning, Leadership and Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us
Wednesday, 26 August, focused on the Assembly theme through area meetings, reports, cultural presentations, workshops and business sessions. These provided opportunities not only to celebrate the Federation’s work but also to consider its future mission and priorities.
It was also a time of sadness as we remembered Mrs Adelaide Sithole, who passed away suddenly on Monday, 24 August 2026, shortly after landing at Auckland Airport. Her passing was a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the preciousness of our fellowship. A beautiful and touching memorial service, led by Rev Filipa Teixeira, honoured those who had gone before us.
On Thursday, 27 August, we were privileged to hear the keynote address by Rev Tara Tautari, General Secretary of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. Her words were a powerful reminder of the light God has already placed within us:
“You do not need to wait for somebody’s light. You are already carrying it.”
Reflecting on her message, I was particularly struck by her understanding of leadership as something woven through relationships and shared life, rather than something exercised alone from a podium. Leadership is not simply about position or visibility; it is formed and expressed through our connections with others, our shared experiences and our willingness to journey together.
The day continued with presentations from the World Officers and representatives to the United Nations. I was privileged to participate in a simulated United Nations session with our UN Representative, Ms Joan Cappel. We had the opportunity to ask questions close to our hearts and appreciated her sincere and thoughtful responses.
Thursday was also observed as Thursdays in Black, a visible expression of solidarity with those affected by violence, particularly violence against women. Wearing black was a reminder of our shared commitment to a world free from rape and gender-based violence. This witness connected our faith with the pursuit of justice, peace and dignity for women and girls.
East Asia Area: United in Worship and Service
Friday, 28 August, began with the East Asia Area leading the morning devotion. I had the privilege of serving as liturgist, while Mrs Mary Devadason, Past President of the East Asia Area, shared the Word of God on the theme “Who Qualifies to Arise and Shine?”, based on Psalm 15:1–5. Hannah, our Helen Kim Scholar, led the worship beautifully.
Drawing from Psalm 15, Mary highlighted five qualities of a life that pleases God: dwelling in the Lord, being blameless and upright, using the tongue wisely, cultivating godly fellowship, and living with integrity and honesty. Her message reminded us that to arise and shine for God’s glory is not simply about what we do or how we serve, but also about the character we cultivate as we walk with Him.
It was a meaningful opportunity for our Area to serve together, bringing our different gifts into one act of worship. Following the East Asia Area morning devotion, Rev Jenny (Jennifer) Pathmarajah led the keynote Bible study, inviting delegates to revisit the familiar story of Samson and Delilah from a different perspective. Rather than accepting the traditional portrayal of Delilah solely as the woman responsible for Samson’s downfall, she encouraged a more critical reading of the story, inviting women to ask questions about Samson as well as Delilah.
Her study drew attention to the growing concern surrounding online ‘manosphere’ communities and their implications for women. By revisiting the familiar story of Samson and Delilah, she invited delegates to reconsider traditional interpretations and reflect on the Church’s role in promoting relationships grounded in dignity, equality, mutuality and love.
I also attended Rev Jenny’s workshop, ‘Giving Forgotten Biblical Women a Voice’, which introduced a creative approach to exploring biblical themes, including the use of AI tools such as SUNO. It was a fresh and engaging learning experience that encouraged me to explore new ways of communicating biblical messages. In this workshop, I wrote a song titled “ SWANEE — ARISE & SHINE” ; inspired by 2 Kings 4:8–37. retelling the Shunammite woman’s story, turning her experience into an encouragement for people who are walking through their own seasons of sorrow, uncertainty and waiting.
Many Nations, One Sisterhood
Beyond the formal programme, one of the most memorable aspects of the Assembly was the vibrant cultural diversity of the sisters gathered together. The colourful traditional attire worn by women from different nations reflected the beauty of their individual identities and heritage.
We came from different countries, spoke different languages and expressed our cultures in different ways, yet we shared one faith and one fellowship. We were many nations, yet one sisterhood in Christ.
The richness of Māori and Pacific Island cultures was especially evident through songs, dances and other cultural expressions. Workshops offered opportunities to learn new skills, explore different approaches to worship, develop leadership, reflect on spiritual care and participate in activities such as lei-making.
Another beautiful sight was the spontaneous praise that filled the hall. Worship was not confined to the scheduled sessions. Even while waiting for programmes to begin, a sister might start singing, and others would soon join in. Before long, voices blended in praise, and some began to dance—even in the narrow passageways!
There was something deeply moving about these unplanned moments. No elaborate arrangements were needed. One voice began, others responded, and praise arose naturally from hearts united in the Lord. It was a joyful expression of our shared faith and a beautiful reminder that worship can unite us across national, cultural and generational boundaries.
The Helen Kim Memorial Scholars were also an important part of the gathering. Their presence reflected the Federation’s commitment to nurturing emerging women leaders and investing in a future generation passionate about Christian faith, leadership and service.
Arise and Shine: A Call to the Next Generation of Leaders
The Assembly concluded on Saturday, 29 August, with the installation of the incoming leadership and the passing of the baton for the 2026–2031 quinquennium.
Bishop Pumla Nzimande, the current Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, delivered the closing message on the theme “Anointed to Rise and Shine,” based on Luke 4:16–22.
As we welcomed the incoming leadership, we were reminded that Christian leadership is not ultimately about status, recognition or influence. It is about participating faithfully in God’s mission, using the gifts He has entrusted to us and helping others to discover and fulfil their own calling.
The Assembly left us with a renewed understanding that “Arise and Shine” is more than a theme for a gathering. It is a call to action—to recognise the light God has given us, carry that light into our homes, churches and communities, and respond courageously to the challenges of our time.
May we continue to walk together as sisters in Christ, respecting our differences, celebrating our shared faith and encouraging one another in service. As we return to our respective countries and communities, may we carry the light of Christ wherever He leads us.
We are many nations, yet one sisterhood. May we arise and shine for the glory of God is upon us!
To relive the highlights of the 15th World Assembly, view the snapshot video and explore the additional photographs and videos featured on this website.
Written by :
Evelyn Sim
GCMW President