Frontier Services will begin discussions with presbyteries and synods to transfer the management and oversight of its patrol ministers by the end of this year.
It is one of several key decisions made by the Assembly Standing Committee in March to support the provision of remote area ministry through Frontier Services.
Uniting Church President Rev Prof Andrew Dutney said since the transfer of Frontier Services’ aged care services – to UnitingCare network providers Australian Regional and Remote Community Services and Juniper last year – the Assembly has been investigating more sustainable ways to support remote area ministry.
“After a number of reviews it is clear that the interests of people receiving community services are best served by drawing on the expertise of the wider UnitingCare network and other providers,” Prof Dutney said.
“Taking a whole-of-church approach is the best way to ensure our remote area ministries survive and thrive into the future.”
A national consultation on remote area ministries is planned to consider the future shape of the Church’s ministry in remote Australia.
The chairman of the Frontier Services interim board, Rev Gregor Henderson, said the organisation would continue to honour its commitment to support remote and rural Australia through its innovative community recovery and volunteering programs.
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