Rev. Punam Bent Has Accepted a Call to the Role of Associate General Secretary

Dear colleagues and members of the Synod,

I am delighted to announce that Rev. Punam Bent has accepted a call from the Placements Committee to the role of Associate General Secretary for the Synod of NSW and ACT. Punam will commence in the role on August 1.

Rev. Bronwyn Murphy will conclude in the role of Associate Secretary on August 31 and there will be a transition and handover period over the coming months to support continuity in the life and work of the Synod. Bronwyn is retiring, and will serve in a voluntary capacity as Synod Business Manager.

We give thanks for Bronwyn’s faithful leadership and service in the role of Associate Secretary, and for her ongoing contribution to the ministry and mission of the Synod in this new position.

Punam has accepted this call following a period of prayerful discernment with her family, and with the encouragement and affirmation of the General Secretary, the Moderator, and the Placements Committee.

Many across the life of the Church know Punam through her ministry as Presbytery Minister: Wellbeing with the Sydney Central Coast Presbytery. Her leadership, pastoral presence, and commitment to the wellbeing of people and communities have been deeply valued by colleagues and congregations alike.

In her letter of acceptance, Punam reflected on both the sadness of leaving a ministry context and team she has loved, and her gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the Church in this new role. She spoke of entering this placement with humility, joy, and a strong sense of call as the Synod continues to navigate a time of change through the 3P process.

Punam also shared her appreciation for the opportunity to work alongside the Synod’s leaders and to learn through the wisdom and experience of those she will serve with during this transition.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Punam into this role and in holding both Punam and Bronwyn, along with their families, in your prayers during this season of transition.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Dr Peter Walker

General Secretary