More than 1,000 Christians from across denominations and traditions filled the Hurstville Entertainment Centre on Saturday 25 October 2025 for “Celebrate Jesus – Together in Unity”, an event hosted by the Christian Alliance Council of NSW.
Bishops in attendance included Sydney’s Bishop Daniel Meagher, Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay and Chaldean Bishop Amel Nona, who joined Coptic Orthodox, Greek Orthodox and other leaders.
The day opened with a vibrant festival atmosphere including live music and expo-style displays before giving way to a time of prayer, worship, and public witness, including a moving ‘Combined Prayer’ prayed by all.
In a particularly moving moment, Bishop Tarabay and Archbishop Nona led the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the language spoken at the time of Jesus — a powerful reminder of the shared roots of the Christian faith.
The event also drew strong civic support, with distinguished guests including former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison.
Also in attendance among many civic leaders were Steve Kamper MP, patron of the Christian Alliance Council and Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs, Tourism, Sport, Lands and Property, and NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman MP.
Attendees were uplifted by worship and cultural performances from the Maronite Catholic Youth Choir, Byzantine Melkite Catholic Choir, Lara Nakhle, Pacific Islanders Cultural Dancers, Gary and Natasha Pinto, Tara Anglican College school choir, and Youth Alive.
In his key address, Bishop Daniel Meagher spoke about the power of shared Christian witness, reminding those gathered of the importance of faith as a source of hope, strength, and unity. Steve Kamper, Scott Morrison, and Tony Abbott also acknowledged the importance of faith as a unifying force in Australian life.
Young representatives from different denominations were given a platform to share their faith and vision for the future of the church. Their words echoed the theme of the day, that the message of Jesus is alive, relevant, and rising in a new generation.
The Christian Alliance Council was officially launched earlier this year at Parliament House in Sydney. It seeks to amplify the voice of the church, strengthen unity, and bring faith to the forefront of public life.
“The launch of the Christian Alliance Council in the Parliament of New South Wales was more than symbolic,” said Tony Abbott.
“It was a powerful declaration that faith remains central to who we are as a nation. When Christians come together – across denominations, traditions, and cultures – we don’t just celebrate our unity in Christ, we strengthen the moral and spiritual fabric of our country.”
