We are committed to partnering with God to see the flourishing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
- To see a society, and a justice system that pursues true justice - where all people are supported, valued and empowered.
- Where structural racism is a thing of the past.
- Where all people are given opportunities to flourish, rather than languishing in prison.
Aboriginal deaths in custody continues to be an ongoing injustice facing Aboriginal families and communities. Over 500 Aboriginal people have died in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody released their report in 1991, with 339 recommendations. We grieve the lack of implementation of these recommendations by the Australian Government and the compounded grief that First Nations peoples continue to experience.
Since 2018, the Common Grace movement has gathered annually to pray, lament, learn and act together to #StopAboriginalDeathsInCustody.
Our annual Prayer Vigil for Aboriginal Deaths in Custody is a powerful opportunity to humbly come before God in prayer together. We learn from and deeply listen to Aboriginal Christian Leaders, engage in prayer and lament through words, song and art, and receive inspiration from the strength and determination of Aboriginal communities who take action for justice.
We've put together these resources for you to learn, grieve, pray and act to #StopAboriginalDeathsInCustody
It is important that we learn the names and stories, we lament together, we pray without ceasing and we act to see change.
Learn
Learn the names and stories - Deaths Inside: The Guardian
Blog post by Brooke Prentis - Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Blog post by Brooke Prentis - Aboriginal Death in Custody: Tanya Day
Brooke Prentis quoted in Eternity article: ‘Urgent Call to End Aboriginal deaths in Custody’
Nation Reconciliation Week 2020 reflection by Aunty Ravina Waldren - Walking Together with Solidarity
National Reconciliation Week 2019 reflection by Mariela Powell Thomas - Reconciliation as Truth and Action Stolen Lives
Learn more about The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Blog post by Graham Stanton - ‘Truth-Bearing’
Grieve with us
Blog post by Brooke Prentis - ‘Grieve with us’
Brooke Prentis and Latoya Aroha Hohepa on radio program audio recording - ‘Listen to Brooke and Latoya on Open House’
Brooke Prentis poem Youtube - We Can't Breathe
Pray with us
Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Prayer Resources: Stolen Lives
Online Prayer Vigil for Aboriginal Deaths in Custody 26th September 2020 - Watch back on FB Live
Blog post by Brooke Prentis - ‘The Only Thing I Could Do Was Pray’
Follow us on social media and sign up with your email here to stay updated about our annual Prayer Vigil for Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in September 2023
Continue to advocate
Template letter Aboriginal Deaths in Custody