Today we stood in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters, opposing any forced closures to Aboriginal homeland communities. #SOSBlakAustralia
Across the world 85 gatherings met to stand against the forced closure of communities.
As followers of Jesus, we know the wonder of being reconciled to God. We know the beauty of reconciliation. But we also know that reconciliation doesn’t come cheap - Jesus died on a cross - and calls us to live out real repentance. Repentance comes with change.
A policy of forced closure of Aboriginal homeland communities, however, simply repeats the past. It is an attack on reconciliation, that renders the saying of ‘sorry’ utterly meaningless.
You can find more out about the proposed closure of Aboriginal communities and the invitation for faith communities to take part in the Rallies here.
You can sign our petition to the WA Premier here. Our ask is that the Western Australian government to cease any decisions on the funding or closures of 150 Indigenous homeland communities. A full impact assessment and public consultation process must be engaged in. The voices of those for whom these communities are their homes, must be heard.
We will be providing resources for National Reconciliation Week for individuals and churches to stand together to re-imagine our nation and continue to pray, act, and walk for Reconciliation (27 May - 3 June)
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To commemorate NAIDOC Week this year, we want to facilitate a time of deep listening, learning, and sharing.
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In 2000 Ben Johnson was a youth delegate representing the Salvation Army on a journey of Reconciliation from Canberra to Uluru.
David Cook was part of the organising committee for the Melbourne Walk for Reconciliation in the year 2000. His reflection is part of our Gallery of photos and stories of Christians who participated in Walks for Reconciliation.
Artist Safina Stewart has prepared a colouring in sheet for Sorry Day. Find it here.
Rachel reflects on the way Jesus met people and what that might have to say to us as we consider the 250 years since Captain Cook’s encounter with Aboriginal people.