Emmanuel Uniting Church, Cairns

Emmanuel Uniting Church in Cairns is a vibrant and diverse congregation that reflects the inclusive spirit of the Uniting Church in Australia. Formed on 22 June 1977, the Uniting Church emerged from the union of the Congregational Union in Australia, the Methodist Church of Australasia, and the Presbyterian Church of Australia, making it the third-largest Christian denomination in the country. With around 250 congregations in Queensland alone, the church also oversees various schools, colleges, and community services.

In recent years, Cairns Emmanuel Uniting Church has evolved into a multicultural hub, attracting a wide array of people from different cultural backgrounds and faith experiences. This diversity not only enriches the congregation but also brings about moments of tension and opportunities for growth as different cultures and faith traditions interact and inform each other.

A significant manifestation of this multicultural identity was the special service conducted on 29 September, which celebrated the church's linguistic and cultural diversity. This service was remarkable for its inclusion of 11 different languages, demonstrating a deep commitment to embracing and celebrating the varied cultural backgrounds of its members. This event not only showcased the linguistic richness of the congregation but also highlighted the church's efforts to make worship accessible and meaningful to those whose “heart” language differs from the primary language of the service.