Reconciliation - It's Not Hard to Understand

STATEMENT FROM FAITH COMMUNITIES FOR RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation is a theme running through each of our Faiths. It is not hard to understand. It is part of the stuff of our living with one another. Reconciliation is both personal and political; local and national. At a personal level we need to take deliberate steps to reach out across the barriers of difference and injustice. We need to act locally, seek justice and meet the pain of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Over the last 12 years, we have begun to cross the barriers erected over two centuries between Indigenous Australians and others. During this time many of us have had conversations across the barrier for the first time in our lives. We have met people with the same hopes and fears as ours. Others have developed a much deeper understanding of how life appears from the viewpoint of the other. Many have taken some steps to redress the injustices with which Indigenous people battle all the time. Even simple acts of solidarity like walking together across a bridge have been important steps towards reconciliation.

At this time it is important that we do not lose the momentum that has been built up. In particular we need to keep on meeting and talking and planning together to remove the continuing injustices in our society. There is still enormous pain, frustration and anger in the Indigenous community about the "unfinished business" of land rights, native title, combating racism and seeking redress for the stolen generations.

What is the unfinished business between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians? What remains to be done by faith communities in Australia ? What are the broader issues on which we need to push local, State and Federal Governments?

We need to work together, personally and communally, in our local and national communities, to meet the pain and distress of our Indigenous brothers and sisters if we are to be truly reconciled.

Reconciliation Week is a time for thinking about and acting on our commitment to work together on the unfinished business that remains between us.

The Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is an initative of faith communities in Australia committed to a just reconciliation with Indigenous people. The Week of Prayer begins on 27 May, the date of the 1967 Commonwealth Government Referendum which acknowledged the rightful place of Indigenous people in the Australian population, and ends on 3 June, the anniversary of the historic Mabo decision of the High Court of Australia, recognising the pre-existence of native title to land in Australia.

Faith Communities for Reconciliation are The Anglican Church of Australia, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Baptist Union of Australia, Buddhist Community in Australia Churches of Christ, Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Hindu Community in Australia, Liberal Catholic Church, Lutheran Church of Australia, Religious Society of Friends, Roman Catholic Church, Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'i, The Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Uniting Church of Australia, National Council of Churches in Australia, World Conference on Religion and Peace.

Information : Colleen Hodge - Education and Public Relations
Christian World Service - The National Council of Churches in Australia
Telephones 02 9299 2215/0419 6852 48 - Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.