Representatives from 23 island churches of the Kiribati Uniting Church (KUC) gathered in Antebuka, Tarawa, on 23 August for the opening service of the KUC General Assembly.
Held at the KUC headquarters, the service brought together church leaders, women, and young people from across Kiribati under the theme, “Living Out God’s Life: Kairos Calls for His Harvest.”
The assembly theme offered both an invitation and a challenge: to recognise God’s kairos, embrace the work of the harvest, and allow the light of Christ to be seen through lives of faithful witness, service, and love.
Beyond church business and decision-making, the assembly also provided space for deeper spiritual discernment.
Through prayer, worship, conversation, and fellowship, delegates were invited to discern God’s direction, renew their commitment to mission, and consider faithful responses to the needs and challenges facing the people of Kiribati.
Representatives of the government of Kiribati and its international partners also attended the opening service. Their presence reflected KUC’s relationship with the wider community and highlighted the church’s continuing responsibility to contribute to the life and well-being of Kiribati society.
KUC Moderator Rev. Tateti Taumwaa preached during the opening service, drawing on Matthew 5:16, Matthew 9:36–38, and John 10:10.
Taumwaa called on KUC to live out the life God has given to the faith community and to recognise the opportunities and responsibilities placed before the church.
He also reminded KUC of its calling to participate in God’s mission and to reach out to people with the message and love of Christ, setting a strong biblical and missional foundation for the assembly.
