Greetings …
Tuesday 26 May was National Sorry Day – a day which is commemorated each year to both acknowledge and recognise members of the Stolen Generations. It also marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week on Wednesday 27 May.
This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week is ‘In This Together’ – I wonder where we’ve heard that before! The message from government during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic is that we are all in this together, even though it could be suggested that some are more ‘in this together’ than others. If you still have a job and money coming in then you are not in the same position as those who have lost their earning capacity. Whatever our situation, the theme of ‘In This Together’ has a deeper resonance for us all, and reminds us of the power community can have in the face of adversity.
According to Karen Mundine (Reconciliation Australia CEO), “we all have a role to play
when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships
and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and
cultures.” She reminds us that “when we come together to build mutual respect and
understanding, we shape a better future for all Australians.”
The Preamble to the Constitution of the Uniting Church states that “As the Church
believes God guided it into union so it believes that God is calling it to continually seek a
renewal of its life as a community of First Peoples and Second Peoples from many lands”.
May we again commit to walking together with our First Peoples.
Blessings – Heather 