Template letter
This template letter can be used and adapted to communicate with your church and encourage them to participate in National Reconciliation Week. Point them to this webpage to receive the resources we've developed for churches this #NRW: www.commongrace.org.au/nrw2020_church_resources
Dear [enter church or pastor here],
As you may or may not be aware, National Reconciliation week is coming up soon, with the theme this year being “In This Together”.
National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) began as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993, and is an annual celebration that builds upon the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples of all cultures in these lands now called Australia. During National Reconciliation Week all Australians are invited to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, to share that knowledge and help us grow as a nation.
I believe it is important as the church to take part in or at least acknowledge National Reconciliation Week. We, as the people of grace, justice and reconciliation, should be one of the largest voices behind this movement and should be seeking to support and foster relationships with this nation’s First Peoples.
And so, on behalf of Common Grace Australia, I want to invite you and your/our church to take part in this year's campaign, using resources collected and created by Aboriginal Christian Leaders in partnership with Common Grace. This could look big or small by using some or all of the resources. For example, you/we could choose to revolve our service around Reconciliation and justice for Aboriginal Peoples, using the Bible readings, songs, sermon and prayers provided, or you/we could carve out space within the service to Acknowledge Country and offer a prayer for Justice and Reconciliation. You can receive the resources by signing up here: www.commongrace.org.au/nrw2020_church_resources
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I hope and pray you consider the offer with an open heart.
Grace and Peace,
(Your name here)