by Nicholas Kerr

Australia cannot mature as a nation until there is true reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Rev Professor James Haire said.
“The churches must do all they can to promote reconciliation in Australia,” he said.
“But, while we must speak out, we must be humble about this issue.”
Professor Haire is President of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and Director of the national Christian centre - the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra.
“A lot of the things the churches have done weren’t beneficial for the Aboriginal people,” he said.
“Many churches have acknowledged the mistakes of the past.
“Following the ‘Bringing them home’ report on the Stolen Generations, many churches have apologised for our part in helping to break up families.
“So, on the one hand, we are conscious of our own mistakes.
“On the other hand, we are very aware that God has called us to be a prophetic voice for justice, integrity and compassion.
“It’s good that, as a nation, we acknowledge the need for reconciliation and healing.
“As we acknowledge that need, we must also acknowledge that we still have a long way to go.
“Reconciliation calls for a change of heart, a change of attitudes and a determination to bring about social change.
“We cannot say that the work of reconciliation is really under way until we see a change in people’s lives and in the terrible statistics that describe the life of Indigenous people in Australia.
“The statistics about Indigenous people and their poverty, health, unemployment, infant mortality, life expectancy and imprisonment are unacceptable.
“When they change dramatically for the better, then we can say that we are a mature and responsible nation.”
Professor Haire said it was extremely significant that the Federal Government and the National Sorry Day Committee have announced that new artwork will be unveiled in Reconciliation Place in Canberra on National Sorry Day, May 26.
He said that, for 150 years until the late 1970s, thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were removed from their families, with the authorization of Australian governments.
Hundreds of people from the Stolen Generations are expected to be at the unveiling in Canberra.
“It will be a memorial to the Stolen Generations,” Professor Haire said. “But it will also be an expression of gratitude to those Australians who took these children in.
“They have often been excluded. It was not their fault. It was government policy.
“The people who fostered these children need some form of memorial, some form of recognition.
“And the Aboriginal and Islander people want them to be remembered. Often they have deep affection for the individuals.”
Reconciliation is high on the churches’ agenda
Professor Haire said reconciliation is definitely on the Australian churches’ agenda - and it will be high on the agenda of the NCCA’s fifth national Forum in Adelaide from July 9 to 13. The forum is held every three years.

The Forum’s theme will be “At the cross roads; Living in a world of change”.

“We want the Forum to embrace the wider community,” Professor Haire said.
Aboriginal leader, Professor Lowitja O’Donaghue, will speak on peace and reconciliation.
“We want to push reconciliation in this country a bit further,” Professor Haire said.
The Forum will deal with the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV).

Rev Sam Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, will talk about changes, challenges and celebrations.

Part of the Forum will look at trends and directions in Australian society, and the place of the churches and the faith.
There will be a session on “Australian Christianity - what does it look like?” with a Pentecostal and Charismatic leader.
Professor Haire said the Bible studies will be on the theme, “Beneath the Cross”.
“They’ll be presented by Bishop Michael Putney, Catholic Bishop of Townsville,” Professor Haire said.
“This is an ecumenical first, in its way - a Catholic doing the Bible study. It’s normally the sort of thing you’d expect a Protestant to be doing.”
A Sunday celebration at St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral will involve some recognition of the covenanting arrangements churches in Australia have already made with each other.
“There is a wide variety of covenanting arrangements,” Professor Haire said.
“Some churches have agreed to share their buildings, for example. Some have agreed to share the Eucharist.
“We want to ritualise those agreements at the service in the cathedral.”
The NCCA was formed 10 years ago, replacing the old Australian Council of Churches.
“There’ll be a review of the NCCA in a session called ‘At the cross roads: Ten years of travel.’
“And we will look at what the council needs to do in the future in a session called ‘At the cross roads: Setting our direction.’
“We’ll be using this phrase, ‘At the cross roads’ - meaning at the foot of the cross -

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) of the National Council of Churches in Australia condemns the decision by the Federal Government to abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).  This decision jeopardises our aspirations as Indigenous peoples to self-determination and totally ignores the recommendations contained in the Report on the ATSIC Review, In the Hands of the Regions - a New ATSIC released in November 2003.

NATSIEC acknowledges that ATSIC is in need of structural reform as reported in the ATSIC Review.  Abolishing ATSIC and replacing it with a non-elected advisory body flies in the face of the principles of self-determination and the democratic process.

Federal and State Governments must share responsibility for the current state of ATSIC and the current problems within the Indigenous community.  ATSIC should not be used as a scapegoat for the Governments’ inadequacies in addressing current disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians.

NATSIEC believes that it is imperative that the Federal Government exercise wisdom and act justly in determining its approach to Indigenous affairs.  The process must be conducted in close consultation and negotiation with Indigenous peoples.  In any democratic society it is recognised that this is best achieved through an elected body.  The Government sought consultation yet has chosen to completely ignore the recommendations from the resulting Review - a tremendous waste of taxpayers’ money and an insult to the contributions made by organisations, government agencies and individuals.

Therefore NATSIEC demands that the Federal Government recognises the importance to the Indigenous community of having a direct say in matters that affect our lives through elected representatives in accordance with the recommendations of the Government’s own review.

For further information please contact Mr. Graeme Mundine, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission on 02-92992215. 

Christian World Service (CWS) Commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) today congratulated the Minister for Immigration for increasing the number of offshore refugee places by 2,000 by taking 1,000 from the Special Humanitarian Program and increasing the overall Humanitarian Program intake from 12,000 places to 13,000.

James Thomson, spokesperson for the CWS/NCCA refugee program, said that the gesture would go a long way toward assisting some of the world's most desperate refugees, and was in line with increases in Australia's Migration intake, which had increased over previous years while there had been no increases in the humanitarian intake.

Thomson stated, however, that "while the churches do not agree with Australia's Pacific Solution, Australia's policy of naval interception has undoubtedly been successful. So successful, that it may be time for the Government to review the necessity of onshore deterrents such as mandatory detention and the use of Temporary Protection Visas."

"There is little point continuing to punish refugees arriving onshore to deter others when there is a naval blockade preventing ships reaching Australia."

"It must be understood that Australia's offshore program is voluntary. It assists the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resettle refugees and Australian families reunite with relatives in danger overseas. Our onshore program is a matter of living up to the responsibility Australia  undertook under international law to protect refugees arriving on our shores. They are very different programs and the Government should not have linked them by taking one place away from the offshore program for every refugee that arrives onshore."

James Thomson recently attended the Minister's Consultations in Adelaide where the NCCA and other refugee organizations:

• congratulated the Immigration Department for improvements to the offshore program,
• called for an increase in the overall humanitarian intake and the number of refugees within the program, and
• changes to the onshore program

CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE  IS A COMMISSION OF THE NCCA WITH A MANDATE TO BREAK DOWN STRUCTURES WHICH CREATE POVERTY, OPPRESSION, INJUSTICE AND DIVISION

For More Information Contact: 
James Thomson 0402 67 55 44
James D. Thomson National Education and Advocacy Officer
National Program on Refugees and Displaced People
Christian World Service
National Council of Churches in Australia
Locked Bag 199, Sydney 1230
Tel: 9299 2215, Fax: 9262 4514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Website: www.ncca.org.au

At their gathering today in Canberra, the heads of a number of Australian Churches expressed their deep sorrow at the suffering of families caught up in the terrible train bombings in Spain.

“We join with the Spanish people in their shock and horror at this attack,” they said.

“We deplore the use of violence against innocent people and commend all efforts to bring those responsible for such terrorist acts to justice.”

This statement is released in the names of the heads of the following Australian Churches*:

Anglican Church of Australia
Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church
Assyrian Church of the East
Churches of Christ in Australia
Congregational Federation of Australia
Coptic Orthodox Church
Lutheran Church of Australia
Presbyterian Church of Australia
Salvation Army
Syrian Orthodox Church
Religious Society of Friends
Uniting Church in Australia

* The Roman Catholic head of church was absent in Rome

Further Information:
John Henderson
General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia
(02) 9299-2215

Representatives of Australia's peak Christian, Islamic and Jewish bodies met in Sydney today reaffirming their joint commitment to live together in peace and respect in Australia.

In the light of heightened tensions in the Middle East and the possible export of tensions and violence to societies such as Australia, the Dialogue on the subject of "Peace" was both timely and valuable.

The Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews (ANDCMJ), which is a joint initiative of the National Council of Churches in Australia, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, met at Sydney's Zetland Mosque today, after being formally launched twelve months ago.

The representatives of the three peak bodies reaffirmed their commitment to the peace and the well-being of all Australians.

The delegates stated jointly “We call on all Australians to make positive choices for peace and to refuse to resolve issue by the use of violence. In light of our commitment to live in peace, no acts of violence or attacks against ethnic or religious communities are acceptable in our community.

“We should instead take positive actions, building on the strong relationships we already have. The 30 young people who participated in the recent ‘Journey of Promise’ initiative, sponsored by the ANDCMJ and supported by the Federal Government's ‘Living in Harmony’ initiative, are symbols of hope for the future of relationships in Australia. We should learn from their example and continue building a community of peace and hope.”

* * * * *
Further Information:

John Henderson, General Secretary, National Council of Churches in
Australia: 0429-224-935

Amjad Ali Mehboob, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Federation of
Islamic Councils: 0408-234-434

Jeremy Jones, President, Executive Council of Australian Jewry: 0411-536-436

Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, knows first-hand about dealing with the scars left by violence and poverty – four of his eleven brothers and sisters were killed by the Indonesian military. He can also speak with authority on peace and politics – for over 20 years he travelled the world urging nations to remember the plight of East Timor, occupied by Indonesia for 24 gruelling years.

Now Dr Ramos-Horta is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-Operation in East Timor. His knowledge of international affairs is vital to this tiny, new and poor nation.

His Excellency will be in Sydney on Friday April 30 to speak at a charity fundraising dinner at the Swissôtel, Market St. His topic will be “East Timor at the Crossroads”.

Dr Ramos-Horta’s speech at the forceten dinner should prove to be a lively and interesting insight into the issues facing a new country. May 20th is East Timor’s second birthday – it is a time to celebrate achievements and to think of the challenges facing our new neighbour. Challenges such as reconciling the past, feeding its people and resolving the dispute over oil reserves in the Timor Gap.

Dr Ramos-Horta’s views are forged by his experiences. He stated recently “Surely there must be the goodwill, leadership and vision to forge a new international coalition against hunger, abject poverty, malaria and AIDS. Extreme poverty is an affront to us all. It should shame us that governments can readily allocate billions of dollars to fight wars and yet refuse to spend modest sums to fight poverty. As a human being I am ashamed.”

All profits from the evening will go to food projects in rural communities in East Timor. The projects provide basic supplies to help set up community gardens. Over 30% of all homes, buildings, farms and other infrastructure were destroyed in 1999. A third of the population were made refugees. It takes time for any society to recover from such upheaval - and East Timor is desperately poor. So the help from the projects is vital.
 
Money from the dinner will go to two agencies working in East Timor - Caritas and YASONA.
 
If you would like to attend the dinner, please contact Amanda Jackson on 02 9299 2215 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Interview times with Dr Ramos-Horta are available on Friday April 30. Please contact Amanda Jackson.

RECONCILIATION: FOR THE HEALTH OF THE NATION

Reconciliation means facing up to racism.
Reconciliation means letting Indigenous peoples have a say in their future.
Reconciliation means self-determination and human rights for Indigenous peoples.  Reconciliation means better health, housing, education and employment outcomes.
Reconciliation means a healthier nation.

The Indigenous peoples of Australia are a blessing to the land and waters of this country.  Their unique continuing culture and tradition of land custodianship are fundamental to the health of the nation.  But sadly, there is a deep chasm which lies between the First Peoples of this country and the rest of the population.

It is more than poor health outcomes; although we must acknowledge the serious nature of the fact that the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is twenty years below the national average.  It is more than poor housing, education outcomes and income levels.  It is more than the still prevalent racism.

The deep chasm exists because we are still to resolve the fundamental injustices which have created these conditions for Indigenous peoples.  Despite countless inquiries and reports, recommendations to address these fundamental and foundational issues remain unimplemented. 

Why have similar nations like Canada and New Zealand closed the ‘health gap’ between their first peoples and the rest of their population, while Australia has not?  Treaties, human rights and policies of self-determination have provided a framework for achieving better health outcomes in those nations.

In Australia, reconciliation needs to go further than the memory of a million ‘bridge walkers’ and ‘sorry signers’.   As the recent Senate Inquiry into Reconciliation suggests, we need national leadership to redress injustice and deal with disadvantage. 

For the health of the nation and the health of Indigenous people we must all put reconciliation back on the agenda. 

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 in Australia, National Council of Churches in Australia, World Conference on Religion and Peace.

What Can You Do?

As a person of faith committed to reconciliation you can actively ensure that the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is observed well in your faith community.

encourage your faith community
- to make commitments for reconciliation     
- to participate in services of worship, camps and conferences in which Indigenous and non-indigenous people will share
- erect plaques on buildings recognising the traditional owners of the land
- to establish programs to assist Indigenous economic empowerment and employment
- to promote cultural awareness and understanding
- to redress racism and disadvantage in its own structures

participate in community campaigns to
- support Indigenous rights and redress Indigenous disadvantage
- seek changes in education which better reflect Indigenous culture and our shared history
- erect memorials and monuments in recognition of the true history
- encourage the development of training and employment programmes for Indigenous people
- encourage the development of agreements between local government bodies and Indigenous people
- improve the delivery of health services for Indigenous people

The Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is an initiative of faith communities in Australia committed to a just reconciliation with Indigenous people. It is part of the wider process of reconciliation which has been going on since 1991. 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.

We, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia, call for a period of reflection in the wake of the tragic death of 17-year-old Thomas ‘TJ’ Hickey and the subsequent riots in Redfern. Although the passage of time may not have lessened the pain of those affected by the situation, it gives the wider church community a chance to revisit attitudes and responses to Indigenous people; to seek insight and a way forward.

In addition to the immediate causes of the riots, these events have raised deeper issues that need to be identified, recognised and resolved.  It is regretable that the death of ‘TJ’ had to occur before issues of reconciliation were brought again to the wider community’s conscience. Those of us who are part of the wider community must try not to pre-judge any inquiries into these events. Let our contributions be constructive ones.

In our sadness and concern, we must find space to remember and honour the work the residents of ‘The Block’ and their supporters who are striving to build a better community for their people, especially the children and youth in the area.  Their efforts reveal a courage and strength we admire. Let us continue to pray for them in these endeavours.

Let us not forget the work, which is carried out in Redfern by our churches’ pastors and lay associates – both indigenous and non-indigenous. Their ministry has highlighted the significance of God’s presence among us, especially in the difficult times of our lives. We know that they will continue to work with the people of ‘The Block’ and Redfern during these difficult times and into the future.

We, the Commission, recommit ourselves to standing alongside all those in Redfern and around Australia working for justice and reconciliation; we call on the body of Christ in Australia to do the same.

For further information please contact Mr Peter Sabatino, Executive Secretary, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission on 02-92992215.

Australia’s Christian Churches came together last weekend for a ground breaking consultation designed to share knowledge, experience and expertise in addressing matters of sexual abuse and misconduct by Church personnel.

Entitled “Safe as Churches?”, the consultation was an ecumenical gathering of up to 60 representatives, many of whom are involved in the formation and implementation of church policies on sexual abuse and misconduct.

It was convened by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and was held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra.

It included representatives from the Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, Lutheran, Salvation Army, Greek Orthodox, Quaker, Churches of Christ, Coptic Orthodox, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist and Presbyterian churches.

NCCA general secretary, Rev John Henderson, said many of those who took part were people who worked with victims, some professionally and some as volunteers within their church policies.

“Churches recognise the seriousness of issues of sexual abuse and misconduct,” Rev Henderson said.

“They want to do better and live by the standards Christ himself set for his church. This consultation is a step in developing best practice among the churches.

“They are now ready to come together around the table and tell their stories, resource one another, listen more intently to victims and to develop a positive culture in which abuse and misconduct will not take place.”

Rev Henderson said the consultation encouraged and resourced Australian churches to deal with complaints in the best possible way, working to protect the innocent, and changing any elements of church culture that encouraged abuse or protected abusers.

“It is significant that the churches are coming together to talk about this matter. We need to develop a positive culture that reduces the likelihood of abuse and misconduct taking place. We can help one another develop best practice, and learn from mistakes before, not after, they are repeated,” he said.

* * * * *
Further Information:
John Henderson
General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia
(02) 9299-2215

Please make a special offering

 Massive loss of lives in the Bam earthquake has left deep scars on the local community.  The aftermath of the disaster has seen the local population trying to cope with loss of loved ones, homes and personal belongings.  Contrary to material possessions which can be replaced over time, the loss of family members has been a traumatic experience which requires urgent attention.

Recognising the magnitude of the humanitarian needs of the population in and around Bam, and the present shortfalls in provision of aid by the international community, ACT members have joined in their efforts to accommodate the homeless and provide psycho-social assistance to the most needy.  The program is based on the philosophy that the local non-government organisations (NGOs) playing the pivotal role in the rehabilitation require all the support by their international counterparts.

It is planned prefabricated shelter, semi-permanent, earthquake resistant housing, common spaces for women and young people, financial assistance for Iranian NGOs working with women and young people, vocational training for young and disabled people, and disaster preparedness and search and rescue training will benefit the population.

A budget of A$ 872 112 has been identified for this work.

The Ministry of Health has requested that mobile field hospitals remain until health infra-structure can be rebuilt.  90 of the 250 health workers were killed in the quake.  Almost all health facilities were destroyed.

Water is polluted and at very low pressure – there is no pipe sewage system and 200 emergency washing places with plastic sheeting and roof have been set up.

 Despite devastation, hope still lives on street of dreams

From Hege Opseth in Iran
(ACT International/Norwegian Church Aid) 

On a street where a row of houses once stood, tents are now lined up. The street used to house families and their dreams, many of which were destroyed by the earthquake on December 26. Yet the city lives on.

Before the earthquake levelled much of his city, Akhbar's guesthouse stood in the centre of the street and was a meeting place for neighbours. Now, all that remains of the life Akhbar and his family led is one remaining wall of their home and a mess of twisted beds.

"Running a guesthouse was my dream, to welcome guests from all over the world and show them our rich cultural heritage and our country."
 
Following the quake, Akhbar managed to dig out and save the lives of seven people. His son, Mohammed, was buried in the ruins of their house for hours. He survived, but his best friend, who was sleeping next to him, died.

"I was sleeping when the earthquake struck," Mohammed recalls. "And I still feel like I am sleeping, just having a nightmare that will be over soon. It is too unreal. Too many are dead - family members, my girlfriend and friends." He can't even find his girlfriend's grave.

Mohammed had a promising future ahead of him. He loved working at his father's guesthouse, which he was to take over one day. He describes it as "my whole life, my love and my future”.

"Now, I am not able to think of the future."

 Near their ruined guesthouse, Akhbar and Mohammed have acquired tents in which to live. There is no shower, no toilet and nothing to keep them warm during the cold nights. Nevertheless, they are alive, and so are their dreams of running a guest house.

"Now I have put up a tent across the street," Akhbar said, "There I still wish guests welcome."

Outside is a makeshift memorial of flowers and
pictures of neighbours who died in the quake. Many people stop, looking fearfully for faces they know. On what is left of the entrance, residents have painted a sign that says “Bam lives”.

A hundred metres away, another family is searching the ruins of their home. Several families sit in their tents along the street. Some families lost five children. Others lost three.

Masomee, a young girl, lost her parents. On the morning of the quake, she was sleeping in the room next to the kitchen with the rest of her family. "I got buried up to my waist. It took three and a half hours before they managed to get me out. Next to me were my dead parents," Masomee said.

 Only rubble remains of Masool's home. His parents and four other family members were killed. The refrigerator still contains eggs, untouched by the earthquake. They are a reminder of the randomness of the destruction the quake caused.

Miriam, was saved by her brother-in-law. "I came here as soon as I could after the earthquake. We were digging in the ruins for hours. We managed to save Miriam," he said.

Miriam wears a mask to keep out the dust. She is shaking, and the tears stream down her cheeks when she speaks of what happened. She is sitting in the ruins, feeding baby Hedyeh, which means gift. Her other daughter, Hadis, plays with an old camera she found in the ruins, blissfully ignorant of what has taken place.

"In one way I was lucky," Miriam said. "I have lost many, but all my children survived."

The family has attended funeral after funeral during the past week. Together with more than 30,000 others, relatives who were killed are buried in a mass grave outside the city centre.