8-10 September 2023
“Thus the Lord said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion, to each other;'"
(cf Zechariah 7:9)
In September, Christian and other faith communities across Australia will participate in a weekend of prayer, reflection and meditation for unity, hope and respect in the lead-up to the Voice Referendum.
Sign up to be a part of this historic national moment in support of justice, reconciliation, and empowerment of Indigenous voices.
Background
On 27 May 2022, the fifth anniversary of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, nine leaders representing national religious groups came together to sign a Joint Resolution that called on bipartisan action to hold a Referendum on a First Nations Voice.
The national religious groups were the Anglican Church of Australia, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the Australian National Imams Council, the Australian Sangha Association, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the Hindu Council of Australia, the National Council of Churches, the National Sikh Council of Australia and the Uniting Church in Australia.
National Multi-faith Coalition
As the national referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament now approaches, representatives from Australia’s major religions have formed a powerful multi-faith alliance to celebrate the wonderful opportunity for recognition and reconciliation offered by the impending landmark vote.
56 years on from the momentous 1967 Referendum, the weekend’s reflections will commence at 11:00 am on Friday 8 September as representatives from Australia’s Buddhist community embark on a 56-hour meditation, concluding on Sunday at 7pm.
Across the weekend, services across faiths and the nation will reflect on the Referendum and focus on themes of unity, reconciliation and healing.
Congregations across all of Australia’s faiths are invited to register to participate in this historic collaboration.
We’d love to see and promote widespread spiritual engagement across the country - get involved and inspired by registering your church, temple, mosque, synagogue or other faith community today!
Further information will be forwarded to participants upon registration.
