NIECA Executive Council

The NIECA Executive Council has overall authority and decision-making powers. It has responsibility for NIECA corporate governance, reporting to government bodies, meeting all regulated compliance, policies, risk management, and accountability to its members. NIECA prioritises the following action items:

Build relationship and networks with the multi-faith communities in Australia.

Develop publications, books, articles, and chapters as education tools.

Facilitate local ecumenical meetings to develop and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Christian Communities.

Build a network work of Christ’s Allyship.  

Conduct online webinars to engage Indigenous communities in theological education and discourse.

Establish partnerships with other Indigenous theological institutions to further theological education for access, pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Explore partnerships with educational institutions to expand learning pathways for Indigenous leaders.

Leading and driving the Truth-Telling process with the ecumenical church bodies.

Strengthen relationships with stakeholders to amplify the Indigenous representation and voice in policy and practice.

Emphasise the importance of Indigenous representation, reclaiming Indigenous positions in society and church, seeking autonomy, and activating sovereign spaces.

Highlight the necessity for capability development and training within Indigenous ministries.

Address terminology and communication challenges, acknowledging the complexity of language and the need for clear communication, particularly concerning the term “authority” across various church contexts.

Discuss power structure and financial independence, including the transition process for ministries to achieve financial autonomy and the significance of equitable power distribution.

Focus on allyship and support, recognizing the need for allies to aid Indigenous ministries and communities, and defining and providing meaningful support.

Explore mentorship and technology, including mentoring younger generations and leveraging technology for data sovereignty and community empowerment. Advocate for action, addressing the imperative to dismantle unjust structures and establish accountability mechanisms.

Foster collaboration and direction, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to share experiences and stressing the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping future guidelines and initiatives.

Discuss financial support, addressing the need for adequate financial arrangements and independence.

NIECA Wisdom Council

The NIECA Wisdom Council is made up of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander denominational member churches representatives which are listed below. It is the embodiment of the leadership of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian faith communities and speak with a united voice and provides collective recommendations and directions to the NIECA Executive Council.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) of the Seventh-day Adventist

Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA) of the Churches of Christ Global Mission Partners.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC)

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC)

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council of the Salvation Army Australia.

Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC)

NIECA Working Committees

The Indigenous Ministry and Theological Education Committee IMTEC membership will be representatives from both the Executive and Wisdom Council and will deliberate their work in consultation with the members of the Wisdom Council will focus on the development of our own educational pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Wisdom Council will guide and identify the qualities, capabilities and skills they require in their leadership. The IMTEC will govern all educational pathways, scholarships and partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous theological colleges in Australia and internationally. The IMTEC are required to have all recommendations submitted to the Executive Council for approval and endorsement. The Fundraising committee will consist of the NIECA chair and allies, and their focus will be to secure economic sustainability for the NIECA.

The Fundraising Committee will seek to build relationships with philanthropists, Church bodies, Mission agencies and donations including bequests, and trust funds.

The Allyship Committee is tasked with building the network, promoting what it means to be an Ally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and strengthening relationships.