Moderator

The role of Moderator is broad and far-reaching, acting as the figurehead and elected leader of the Synod. It is a three-year term which commences after an election by the annual Synod which comprises about 400 Ministers and lay people drawn from across Victoria and Tasmania.

There are four prongs to the moderator's position, and up to ten clauses in the regulations.

Chairing meetings: Synod, Standing Committee, Reception of Ministers and others on request

Visiting Congregations: A moderator must travel far and wide across the Synod so they have an accurate picture as to what is happening in the Uniting Church, and offering pastoral and spiritual leadership.

Making sure all processes are fair: Anyone can come and see the Moderator if they have a concern about how things are going in the church

Representing the church in the media: The moderator is the official spokesperson for the church, and comments on many current issues relecting the decisions, values and views of the Uniting Church. The Uniting Church has around 60,000 members in Victoria and Tasmania, and employs around 1,000 staff including ministers ("Ministers of the Word" and Deacons), youth workers, and many other people. The Uniting Church is the state's largest provider of community services after the government*. It is also the largest aged care network in Australia. In addition to this, a large number of people give of their time to serve on one of many councils and committees, to organise and lead a variety of groups, to seek new ways of being the church and reaching out to those in need, or to generally keep things running.

*Excluding provision of educational and hospital services.