Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”;

anything more than this comes from the evil one.

(Matthew 5:37 NRSV)

One of the changes in organisation life over the past years has been the increased awareness of risk and the need to plan for and mitigate risks. In some ways we are increasingly ‘risk averse’.  There are clear benefits to this increased sensitivity and understanding of risk. 

At the moment there is an increasing level of unease about the risk of saying ‘yes’ in the coming referendum.  The campaign is increasingly being politicised.  Some of the debate is fear driven, racist and harsh. Some of the media commentary leaves me deeply concerned for the well-being of our First Australians and for the future of our country. 

I wonder what carries the greater risk as we look ahead… saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  Yes, is a word of permission, opportunity and openness. When we say yes, we release possibilities and give freedom.  

No, on the other hand is a word of closure. There is no change, and we cement in place the status-quo.

Australia’s Indigenous people have heard ‘no’ many times. No – this was an empty land, and you did not possess it. No – this is not your homeland. No - you cannot vote (changed by a yes). No – it is your fault that there is high incarceration and social dysfunction.  No – your sacred sites are not worthy of protection. No - we will not say sorry (changed by a yes). I could go on. 

What might happen if we say ‘yes’? 

Could it lead to new conversations and discussions about the impact of decisions on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?  Saying ‘yes’ might be risky, however it seems to me to be a more respectful and healthier way to move forward and so much better than ‘no’.  

What to do?

On the weekend of 8-10 September 2023, Australia’s faith communities are planning a Weekend of Prayer, Meditation and Reflection in preparation for the Referendum. We will meditate and pray, reflecting our own traditions, and be united in seeking a way forward that is honouring and just.  

Rev John Gilmore 

NCCA President