The member churches of the National Council of Churches in Australia stand ready to assist Australians, Indigenous and others, walk together on the path of peace and reconciliation, the path God calls us to in Jesus Christ.
National Sorry Day and the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation, both of which occur this week, remind us of unfinished business concerning the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. Christ calls us to actively work for reconciliation and forgiveness, and to address the hardships and injustices experienced by our Indigenous sisters and brothers.
“Recently our energy for the cause of Reconciliation seems to have died down. It is time to renew our commitment, and move ahead with genuine nation building,” said the Revd John Henderson, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia. “Australia can celebrate great achievements and enviable freedoms. These gifts should give us strength to say “SORRY” for ill-informed, prejudicial and discriminatory acts against the original inhabitants of this land and sea.”
The Spirit calls us to hear and act upon the grievances of Indigenous Australians. We share this country, and owe each other the debt of fair and honest treatment. Injustice and ill treatment must be redressed wherever possible. We dare not abandon the unfinished business of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The task is hard and long, and we all grow weary on the journey, but work must continue on the outstanding issues. Only then can we build a better country for all Australians as a single humanity under God.
For further information contact :
- The Revd John Henderson - General Secretary – NCCA
Tel: (02) 9299 2215 - Graeme Mundine – Executive Secretary National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Council
Tel: (02) 9299 2215 or 0419 238 788
