Reconciliation
For both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, culture is part of our being before God, and we follow Jesus in each of our different cultures. Jesus is the one who can bring many cultures together into the full potential of wellbeing, although our life in Christ also brings a necessary transformation of cultures. Indigenous talking circles at the Storyweaving conference at Whitley College in January 2012 discerned that there are five key themes which are commonly understood to be the foundational principles of Aboriginal culture: family, land, law, language, and ceremony.As Baptist churches journey into reconciliation, the resources made available through this website are intended to aid understanding, education, discussion and discernment. We recognise though that reconciliation is first and foremost, relational. It’s about knowing and journeying together.
BUV Office Reconciliation Action Plan 2013/2014 (3.91 MB)The goal of the reconciliation movement is for a just, equitable and reconciled country. This will only be achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Peoples of this land, are able to equally contribute to daily life of the nation. Until this happens, Australia will not reach its full potential.
We need more people speaking up, asking the hard questions and taking action during and beyond National Reconciliation Week. To help you, we have compiled 20 actions for reconciliation.
If you are hesitant to challenge some of the long-held but incorrect ideas in your community, be assured that across this country many people just like you are joining First Nations peoples in this effort.
This National Reconciliation Week, make reconciliation more than a word. Move from safe to brave on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
BUV Statement of Commitment to Developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (427.72 kB)
Baptists and Indigenous Australians (162.08 kB)
Five Smooth Stones (312.2 kB)
Appropriate Terminology, Representations and Protocols of Acknowledgement for Aboiriginal and Torres Straight Islander Peoples (291.4 kB)
It’s Simply About Respect (856.76 kB)
Cultural Protocols (192.33 kB)
Five Fast Facts: NAIDOC Week (158.15 kB)
Letter Template to Parliament requesting Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Flags (90.98 kB)
BUV ’The Waters of Baptism’ Plaque and Ordering Information (1.05 MB)
BUV ’The Waters of Baptism’ Greeting Card Sample and Order Form (321.46 kB)
Global Oneness Project | What Can We Learn?
Indigenous Culture Today | Interview Part 1
Indigenous Culture Today | Interview Part 2
Kurbingui Youth Development Association | Kiama’s Tracks
Whitley College | In Our Lifetime: Aboriginal Christians Talking
A Broad Abroad | A Look Inside the Heartbreaking Story of Australia’s “Stolen Generation.”
Australians Together | Doug’s Story
Australians Together | Ruth’s Story
In the News
The Conversation | Indigenous affairs: close the gap, but open the conversation
The Conversation | Closing the gap on Indigenous literacy requires more than increased attendance
The Conversation | Census 2016: What’s changed for Indigenous Australians?
The Guardian | Indigenous Australians most ancient civilisation on Earth, DNA study confirms
Mark Brett | Making space for justice after Mabo: Theological critiques of sovereignt
Just Salvos | Indigenous Land Titles (interview with Mark Brett) (Video)
Publications
Mark Brett | Making Space for justice after Mabo: Theological critiques of sovereignty
Graham Paulson and Mark Brett | Five Smooth Stones
Geoff Wraight | Spirituality Australian Culture Lecture Handout
Hinton, Johnston et al | Indigenous Australians And The Law
Rhonda Craven | Teaching Aboriginal Studies
John Harley, Alan McKee | The Indigenous Public Sphere
Djambatj Mala and Richard Trudgen | Why Warrior Lie Down and Die
Patrick Thornberry | Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights
Cary, Lindermayer et al | Australia Burning: Fire Ecology, Policy and Management Issues
Lola Garcia-Alix | A Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Maggie Brady | Indigenous Australia & Alcohol Policy
McNab & Lischke | Walking A Tightrope
Anne Pattel-Gray | Aboriginal Spirituality: Past, Present, Future
Chris Budden | Following Jesus in Invaded Space: Doing Theology on Aboriginal Land
Peter Lewis | Acting in Solidarity? The Church’s Journey with the Indigenous Peoples of Australia
National Reconciliation Week, 27 May – 3 June 2019
National Sorry Day, 26 May (remembering past policies of forced child removal and celebrating resilience)
Mabo Day, 3 June (commemorating the High Court decision of 1992 to recognise Native Title rights)
NAIDOC Week, 7-14 July 2019