We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, work, and gather to worship.
We acknowledge all the Elders, past and present, who have, from the beginning, looked after and cared for country—by day and night, in the sky and water, on the earth and seas, through seed-yielding plants and fruit-bearing trees, water creatures and flying birds, and creatures both mild and wild.
We acknowledge that these, and all things of their kind, were created and seen as good.
We acknowledge all the Elders who, in the image of God, have been good stewards of Country.
We acknowledge the sin of greed through colonisation.
We acknowledge that the church has borne fruits both of good and evil and that, in the Creator’s name, there have been life-takers rather than only life-givers.
We commit ourselves to owning up to the sins of colonisation and to hearing the voice of God, who calls us to live justly in love through reconciliation and peace.
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Acknowledgement of Country is written by Maikeli Ramaidama. Maikeli is originally from Fiji and now resides in Ashfield, New South Wales. He worships with the Burwood-Croydon Uniting Church on Wangal land of the Dharug Nation, and he is also part of Christian Students Uniting, a tertiary student ministry in Sydney.