We were so thankful for the opportunity to gather on Ngunnawal & Ngambri Country, Canberra, 16 - 18 November 2024, for Common Grace's first 'Let Justice Flow' Conference.
This conference was an opportunity for Christians from an array of backgrounds, denominations and ages - coming from across Australia - to deepen and express their shared heart for Jesus and justice. For three days we learnt, prayed and acted together to see justice flow across Australia and beyond.
“The conference feels like a little slice of heaven, breaking through. Christians from every stripe, coming together to worship, to learn and to act in love for a world so desperately in need”. Gershon Nimbalker, Common Grace National Director
The lineup of speakers included theologians, First Nations speakers, social workers, climate scientists, and advocates - who helped delegates delve into the crucial issues of First Nations and Climate Justice. Delegates then took all they had learnt, and went into our federal parliament to lobby and speak up for tangible change to our nation’s leaders.
"The conference should come with a warning that you can't just sit back and let information wash over you - you will be transformed in ways that may well emerge over time in the reality of striving to live as a disciple of Christ." Conference Delegate
Common Grace’s conference program was shaped by the wisdom and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Leaders, and emphasised relationship-based advocacy. Key Yarning Circles provided a unique space for deep listening, storytelling and collaboration, and to explore the interconnected issues of First Nations and climate justice.
"For me, the highlight was hearing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian leaders presenting their perspectives. This is much too rare in the Christian world, which means that the whole nation is missing valuable teaching and insights. These leaders shared a depth and nuance in their faith that is unique, and needed. I would hope that Indigenous voices are prioritised in the future also." Janet Dickson
Our final day of the conference was an opportunity for delegates to meet with 50 Members of Parliament and Senators during Monday 18th November, calling for our nation’s leaders to listen deeply to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in pursuing a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to youth justice #RaiseTheAge #SafeFreeFlourishing, and take bolder action on climate solutions for the protection and flourishing of all God’s creation #RenewAustraliaForAll #ClimateActionNow.
Addressing conference delegates before heading into meetings in Parliament House, Gershon Nimbalker, Common Grace National Director reflected, “Today, we are walking into a space where God is already working, it’s not just up to us. We are partnering with the work that God is already doing in this world. The deep baseline under all of creation that we’re trying to harmonise ourselves with, is the God of love, bending all things towards renewal, love and restoration. Our job is to jump in on that journey, hop in on the flow to see the change happen. Another world is possible, in fact, it’s inevitable. Let’s do our best to see it breaking through today. Amen.”
Thank you to everyone who was with us for our 2024 Common Grace conference!
We can't wait to gather again as a movement of Common Grace for our conference in 2025.
We look forward to announcing 2025 dates and information soon!
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Photo credits
Conference L - R: Bianca Manning opening conference; Adam Gowen guiding a yarning circle with Aunty Shirli Congoo, Nathan Tyson & Mikenzie Ling exploring ‘Truth Telling and the Church’; Safina Stewart's artwork 'Flood of Justice'; teams meeting to prepare for meetings with parliamentarians; 2024 conference delegates with Safina Stewart's artwork; stage artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders; ‘From Genesis to Revelation - Our Creation Justice Story’ yarning circle guided by Jane Kelly with Father Stanley Marama from the Torres Strait 8, Dr Felicity McCormack, Dr Phillipa McCormack, Dr Mick Pope and Dr Byron Smith.
Monday 18th photos L - R: 2024 conference delegates on front lawns of Parliament House; meeting with Senator David Pocock; meeting with Senator Fatima Payman; meeting with Senator Kerrynne Liddle, meeting with Linda Burney MP; meeting with Max Chandler-Mather MP.