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Journey with emerging Aboriginal Christian leaders as they extend a hand of friendship by sharing their stories, ministries and experiences during Reconciliation Week. Artwork by Jasmin Roberts, used with permission.

Friends are awesome. They share joy and sorrow; celebration and commemoration; hugs and tears. They listen when you are angry, and when life doesn’t seem fair.

And friends know if something isn’t right.

That’s why for Reconciliation Week this year you're invited into friendship.

We have asked emerging Aboriginal Christian Leaders from the Grasstree Gathering to share their stories, ministries and experiences of Reconciliation. As they share with us, we are invited into friendship, solidarity and understanding with them on the road towards Reconciliation.

Over eight days (starting next Sunday) we will publish stories from Aboriginal Christians Leaders. As we learn their stories, we are invited to share in their joy and sorrow, to celebrate and commemorate together, to acknowledge that which is not right, and commit to the journey together towards Reconciliation.

Reconciliation is more than just a word; it is a journey; it is an action; it affects real people’s lives. And the road towards Reconciliation is paved through friendship.

What is National Reconciliation Week?

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is an annual celebration that builds upon the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. During 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.

The artwork used with permission in this Reconciliation Week series page was painted by Waka Waka artist Jasmin Roberts for 2016's NAIDOC theme "Songlines: The Living Narrative of Our Nation”

It is titled "Will You?" "Will take my hand? Will you help me find truth? Will you help me seek justice? Will you please, please, please take my hand?"

To view more of Jasmin's amazing artwork visit her Facebook page.