Church Service for the Commencement of Parliament

It was a privilege to begin the parliamentary year by fixing our eyes on God.

On Tuesday 3 February, AACS CEO Vanessa Cheng and Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Steven Kryger attended the commencement service in Canberra to mark the 2026 parliamentary sittings.

This annual ecumenical service is a unique opportunity to lift our voices in song, pray for our nation, and hear from God's word. The service was well attended with Federal politicians including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

In the gospel reading and sermon we were pointed to Jesus, who satisfies our hunger for God:

And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." - John 6:35

It was wonderful to connect with both parliamentarians and fellow Christian leaders at the service, including Senator Deborah O'Neill (centre) and Michelle Pearse (left), CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby (pictured with Vanessa).