Join the Council

Membership

The NSW Ecumenical Council invites Christian churches and organisations to join in our shared mission of unity, witness, and service across NSW and the ACT.

Two Ways to Participate

Whether you represent a Christian church or a Christian-aligned organisation, there is a place for you within the Council’s community.

Full Membership

Member Churches

Full membership is open to Christian churches that acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures, and share the commitment to common witness and service that underpins the Council’s mission.

Member Churches participate in the Council’s General Assembly, are represented on the Executive Committee, and may contribute to and vote on matters of Council policy.

  • ✦ Voice and vote at General Assembly
  • ✦ Representation on Executive Committee
  • ✦ Participation in all Taskforces
  • ✦ Access to shared resources and networks

Affiliate Membership

Affiliate Members

Affiliate membership is open to Christian organisations — including schools, welfare agencies, community groups, and other bodies — that share the Council’s values and wish to participate in its work without the governance responsibilities of full church membership.

Affiliate Members are invited to contribute to Taskforces, attend Council events, and access the Council’s networks and resources.

  • ✦ Participation in Taskforces and events
  • ✦ Access to Council networks and resources
  • ✦ Listing as an affiliated organisation
  • ✦ Collaboration on shared programs

Current Member Churches

The Council currently comprises twenty member churches drawn from across the Christian tradition in NSW and the ACT.

  • ✦ Anglican Church Diocese of Grafton
  • ✦ Anglican Church Diocese of Newcastle
  • ✦ Anglican Church Diocese of Riverina
  • ✦ Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
  • ✦ Antiochian Orthodox Church
  • ✦ Armenian Apostolic Church
  • ✦ Assyrian Church of the East
  • ✦ Bruderhof Australia Community
  • ✦ Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst
  • ✦ Roman Catholic Diocese of Lismore
  • ✦ Roman Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
  • ✦ Roman Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga
  • ✦ Church of South India
  • ✦ Congregational Federation of NSW
  • ✦ Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney
  • ✦ Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church
  • ✦ German Lutheran Church
  • ✦ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
  • ✦ Lutheran Church of Australia District of NSW
  • ✦ Macedonian Orthodox Church
  • ✦ Mar Thoma Assyrian Church
  • ✦ Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
  • ✦ St Mark’s Coptic Church Canberra
  • ✦ St Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral
  • ✦ Syrian Orthodox Church
  • ✦ The Salvation Army
  • ✦ Ukrainian Catholic Church
  • ✦ Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT

“Membership of the Council is not merely an administrative arrangement — it is an expression of our shared calling to be one in Christ, as a sign of hope to the world.”

NSW Ecumenical Council

Membership Enquiry

Interested in joining the NSW Ecumenical Council as a Member Church or Affiliate Member? Complete the form below and the General Secretary will be in touch.

Type of Membership *

Your information will be held in accordance with the Council's Privacy Policy. Fields marked * are required.

What Happens Next?

Once we receive your enquiry, the General Secretary will contact you to discuss your interest in membership, answer any questions, and outline the next steps.

The process typically involves a conversation, review of the Council’s Constitution, and a formal resolution by the Executive Committee.

General Secretary

The Reverend Dr Rod Benson · gensec@nswec.org.au · 0412 421 678

Eligibility at a Glance

  • ✦ Acknowledges Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures
  • ✦ Committed to common witness and service
  • ✦ Based in NSW or the ACT (full membership)
  • ✦ Shares the Council's values of unity, reconciliation, and service (affiliate membership)

The Council’s Constitution sets out the basis of membership, governance, and the rights and responsibilities of Member Churches.