Welcoming Mikenzie Ling: Our New First Peoples Strategy & Engagement Consultant

The Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT has recently welcomed Mikenzie Ling, a proud Aboriginal Christian woman of the Wiradjuri nation from Narromine (NSW), as the First Peoples Engagement and Strategy Consultant. Her appointment is part of the Church’s ‘Walking Together’ initiative, which seeks to build meaningful connections and collaborations with First Peoples.

Mikenzie’s path to this role is shaped by significant milestones, including her work with Prof Dr Anne-Pattel Gray, a mentor and key figure within First Nations theology, academics and advocacy. Through this mentorship, Mikenzie became a consultant with WCC for Indigenous Peoples in the Southern Hemisphere. "Both jobs overlap really well," she explains, "with a synergy that allows me to address Indigenous issues on both local and global levels." Working part-time at both WCC and the Uniting Church, Mikenzie strives to elevate Indigenous voices within the Church, fostering a space where First Nations cultural identity and Christian faith harmoniously coexist. "There’s a need for the church to embrace an empowering and liberating approach to Indigenous theology," she shares, “one that celebrates the healing power within Indigenous culture."

A Personal Journey to Faith and Identity

Due to separations within her family history, Mikenzie’s journey in the understanding and expression of her Aboriginal identity has been challenging. “Growing up in church, I was taught that there wasn’t really room for being Aboriginal within “good Christian spaces”. There was an expectation to align with Western Christian culture,” she recalls.

This conflict reached a turning point during her theological studies, when she had found herself to be the only Aboriginal person in a cohort of 200 emerging church leaders and ministers. “It was a massive interception moment,” Mikenzie said. “I realised I wasn’t living in a way that truly represented my Aboriginal identity before others or before God.” This experience led her to deeply wrestle with and affirm her identity, finding strength in the belief that her cultural identity is a vital part of her faith.

Through connecting with Elders and immersing herself in community, Mikenzie began to integrate her Aboriginal identity and her Christian faith. “Being an Aboriginal woman is an intentional, purposeful part of who I am and how I was created,” she shared. “It’s not something to be disconnected from my faith and theology.”

Indigenous Theology and Connection to Country

Mikenzie’s academic journey naturally evolved towards Indigenous theology, particularly around concepts of Land and custodianship. Her Master’s thesis explored “Australian Aboriginal Christian Theologies of Custodianship and Connection to Country.” This research examined the intrinsic connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with Land and creation—a connection that recognises Land as a living entity, imbued with value, rather than a mere commodity.

This journey allowed her to sit with and learn from Aboriginal Christian Elders, pastors, and community leaders. “I had the honour of hearing grassroots Indigenous theologies from incredible people,” Mikenzie said. She also had the opportunity to speak at the Indigenous Theological Conference earlier this year where she discussed justice, land, and culture alongside influential voices, including members of the Uniting Church.

 A Vision for Change

In her role with the Uniting Church, Mikenzie is committed to elevating First Nations’ voices in church spaces, ensuring these perspectives are heard and valued. Her vision for the “Walking Together” initiative is to create inclusive environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, wisdoms and cultures are valued, and able to fully participate and authentically contribute. “The church can’t be what it’s intended to be without all of our cultural identities at the table,” she said. She encourages congregations to approach collaboration with Indigenous communities not from a place of assumed authority, but with humility and openness, allowing First Nations voices to inform and shape the Church’s mission.

Mikenzie also emphasises the importance of community connections, particularly fostering genuine kinship between churches and Indigenous communities, which is at the core of First Nations values. "Kinship is essential to meaningful reconciliation and unity within the church," she explains.

 A Focus on Deep Listening and Young People

The practice of “deep listening,” a value central to First Nations culture, is another focus for Mikenzie. In her view, listening in a culturally sensitive way involves not only hearing but deeply understanding the needs and perspectives of First Nations communities.

"True listening requires time, respect, and understanding." This process of deep listening, she explains, will allow the Uniting Church to ensure that its programs and initiatives are culturally safe, relevant, and embraced by communities.

Mikenzie is passionate about supporting young Indigenous members within the Church, where they can find a sense of solidarity and have their voices heard. However, she stresses that this focus on youth must also be underpinned by a cultural understanding of how Indigenous communities engage and communicate.

Looking Ahead

As Mikenzie continues her work, her immediate priorities are rooted in strengthening relationships, listening with intention, and empowering First Nations voices. In her dual roles with the Uniting Church and WCC, Mikenzie is preparing for a significant year ahead. With the global church observing the same liturgical calendar and celebrating several significant anniversaries within church history, Mikenzie sees this as a unique opportunity to highlight Indigenous perspectives on key theological themes like the Nicene Creed and ecumenical unity.

“The work is complex, but it’s about deepening relationships, collaboration, and creating spaces where Indigenous voices can lead the way," Mikenzie said.

As Mikenzie steps into her role, the Uniting Church eagerly awaits the impact of her dedication, wisdom, and vision for a more inclusive and compassionate faith journey.

For More Information and Resources

The Synod’s First Peoples Strategy and Engagement work includes a number of focus areas. To learn more about the initiatives Uniting Church’s First Peoples Strategy & Engagement team is leading, visit here.