Week of Prayer for Reconciliation Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June 2014 Resources for People Who Pray THE ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE WRITES: National Reconciliation Week is important for all Australians, marking as it does significant times in the journey of reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia is leading the movement building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The Diocese of Melbourne is committed to establishing a Reconciliation Action Plan. We ask for prayer that true reconciliation will be achieved both in our diocese and in our nation. I commend to you the Prayer Resources developed for the Diocese of Melbourne and encourage you to make use of them in parishes and for personal prayer. The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier Archbishop of Melbourne Page 1 of 14
Pray at all times.. For many years, the Anglican Church of Australia has set aside a period of time to focus upon issues which are now called reconciliation. Each year, the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation starts on May 27 th, the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, and finishes on June 3 rd, sometimes known as Mabo Day, the anniversary of the High Court s 1992 Mabo judgment which was a major landmark in the recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia. These materials have been prepared to assist people as they meet with God in prayer. Each day has a different focus. The resources are often brief and may omit significant information or important people. Users of these materials are invited to make their own additions. People are encouraged to look for Aboriginal stories in their own area. Often the local library is a good place to start. In 1910, members of the Australian Board of Missions and the Church Missionary Society proposed that each church set aside one Sunday each year to focus in Indigenous matters. They proposed that parishes use the following Bible readings: 1 John 4: 7-21. Luke 16: 19 31. These may be used at any time, but would be appropriate for Sunday 25 th May or 1 nd June. A Thanksgiving for Australia A prayer by the Revd Lenore Parker, an Indigenous Anglican priest God of holy dreaming, Great Creator Spirit, From the dawn of creation you have given your children the good things of Mother Earth. You spoke and the gum tree grew. In vast deserts and dense forest, and in cities at the water s edge, creation sings your praise. Your presence endures as the rock at the heart of our Land. When Jesus hung on the tree you heard the cries of your people and became one with your wounded ones: the convicts, the hunted, and the dispossessed. The sunrise of your Son coloured the earth anew. and bathed it in glorious hope. In Jesus we have been reconciled to you, To each other and to your whole creation. Lead us on, Great Sprit, as we gather from the four corners of the earth, Enable us to walk together in trust, from the hurt and shame of the past Into the full day which has dawned in Jesus Christ. Amen. Source : A Prayer Book for Australia, p 218. Page 2 of 14
Wednesday 27 May Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum As a result of this referendum, the Commonwealth Parliament is able to make laws which are directed towards Indigenous Australians in the various States. The referendum also resulted in Indigenous Australians being included in each national census. Pastor Sir Douglas and Lady Gladys Nicholls Give thanks for the Indigenous People of Australia Thanks for Indigenous pioneers such as: William Barak; Nathaniel Pepper; David Unaipon; William Cooper; Pastor Sir Douglas and Lady Gladys Nichols; Mavis Tucker, Neville Bonner. Pioneering Indigenous Anglican clergy and partners: The Revd Joseph Liu & the Rev d Poey Passi. [1 st Torres Strait Islander Priests, 1921] The Revd James Noble, pioneer missionary, Qld NT & WA. [1 st Aboriginal Deacon 1926] The Revd Patrick Brisbane, Qld. [1 st Aboriginal Priest, 1970, died 1974] The Revd Canon Michael Gumbuli Wurramara, AM, NT. [2 nd Aboriginal Priest, 1973] Bishop Kwami Dai, Qld. [1 st Torres Strait Islander Bishop, 1986] Bishop Arthur Malcolm, Qld. [1 st Aboriginal Bishop, 1995] The Revd Janet Turpie-Johnstone, [1 st Indigenous Priest in Melbourne, 1999] Thanks for the ways that Indigenous people cared for the landscape, its plants and animals, as well as inland waters and oceans. Thanks for the * people who lived in our local area from time immemorial. *If you can, use the traditional name for the traditional owners of your district. Pray that all Australians may learn something of the wisdom of our Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with the land for tens of thousands of years. Page 3 of 14
Thursday 28 May Europeans meet Indigenous Australians Tattambo King, described as Belonging to Mr Fryer, died in September 1865 and was buried in the Murchison Cemetery, Victoria. Recognition of inappropriate ways Europeans have treated Indigenous Australians We acknowledge: That Europeans took control of the continent without negotiation or compensation. That Europeans managed the land in ways which made it unsuitable for traditional Aboriginal lifestyles; this also resulted in destruction of plants, animals and habitats. Across most of the nation, including Victoria, there were bitter wars over land. Casualties were not restricted to warriors. Massacres and outrageous recriminations were too common. That Indigenous Australians have often been treated in ways that did not recognize them as made in the image of God. The creation of stolen generations and consequently Indigenous people who have lost their land and traditional identity. That today, many Aborigines live in conditions that are far worse than most other Australians. Sometimes contemporary events repeat these evils. Recognition of inappropriate ways Indigenous Australians have treated Europeans It was not uncommon for innocent Europeans to be killed in the early turbulent times. Recognition of the Church Workers who have worked with Indigenous Australians Since the arrival of the first Europeans, there have been church workers such as missionaries, clergy and local men and women of good will who have worked hard for Indigenous people. At times when settlers rarely took an interest in the first Australians, a few inspired people were enduring hard conditions to support Aboriginal people. We recognize that mistakes were made as attitudes of the day were imposed and at times Indigenous people treated inappropriately. Confession Consider these matters, and look for words of acknowledgement and confession. Commitment to working for justice and peace In God s presence, think about ways of responding. Page 4 of 14
Friday 29 May Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians Please call upon God to guide the Archbishop and all who are called to advise and lead the Diocese in discerning appropriate responses to the situation in which we find ourselves, that we might have the courage to follow God s voice. In particular, pray for the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan, that it might be established with wisdom and implemented with enthusiasm, leading to meaningful reconciliation at a local level. This plaque shows that St James Thornbury proudly recognizes traditional Aboriginal owners. We give thanks for those who have worked for peace and reconciliation in every generation in Australia, especially community leaders today. Pray For Indigenous men, women and children who experience racism. [Which means most!] For the day when all people will live in nations where they are not judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character. [Martin Luther King, 1963] For people who have difficulties in accepting others who are different from them. That Indigenous people will always get a fair go - in education - in health - in housing, and social services - with the law. That dioceses and parish churches may contribute to reconciliation at a local level. Especially those who have established reconciliation groups. That all churches will be a welcoming place for all people, including Indigenous people. For Anglican Church Organizations with a special focus on Indigenous people, including Church Missionary Society WEBSITE: http://www.cms.org.au/ Bush Church Aid Society WEBSITE: http://www.bushchurchaid.com.au/ Anglican Board of Mission Australia WEBSITE: http://www.abmission.org/ Mothers Union Australia WEBSITE: http://www.mu.org.au/ Page 5 of 14
Photo Credit: Ron Amor Barak [1824 1903], known to Europeans as William Barak was a boy when Melbourne was founded. As well as his tribal education, he was educated at the mission school located near the Botanical Gardens, led by the Rev G Langhorne. Barak became a respected and honoured spokesperson for his people, and must be regarded as one of the Colony s significant citizens. For more information try http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/barak-william-2930 Page 6 of 14
Saturday 30 May Anglican Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders Give thanks to God for the work of Anglican Missions involving Aboriginal people, including European and Aboriginal missionaries, recognizing their achievements as well as their mistakes. In 1908, the Roper River Mission was founded by three people from Victoria, and three from Queensland. Photograph kindly supplied by State Library of Victoria. Give thanks for the people who have worked to preserve Indigenous languages, and for those who have worked to translate the Bible. Give thanks for recent developments in General Synod supporting Indigenous people and for the special allocation of places for Indigenous People in General Synod. Pray for Communities which have grown out of Anglican missions, these include: Northern Territory: Ngukurr (Roper River Mission) and Minyerri; Groote Eylandt; Gunbalanya (Oenpelli); Numbulwar (Rose River Mission) Queensland: Torres Strait: Thursday Island; Saibi Is.; Mer. Mainland: Yarrabah; Lockhart River; Kowanyama. South Australia: Point Pearce. Victoria: Lake Tyers, and scattered peoples from Lake Condah and Yelta. Aboriginal Anglican Church leaders throughout Australia, The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC) NATSIAC formally represents the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the Church nationally. It assists in the provision of pastoral care as well as assists, encourages and resources Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministries. Chair: the Rev d Gloria Shipp; Secretary: The Revd Di Langham Anglican Aboriginal Clergy in Victoria The Revd Janet Turpie-Johnstone and the Revd Helen Dwyer (Melbourne); The Revd Kathy Dalton and the Revd Phyllis Andy (Gippsland); The Revd Robyn Davis (Bendigo); Page 7 of 14
Anglican Indigenous Clergy across Australia Training of Clergy and lay workers: Nungalinya College. Wontulp-Bi-Buya College. WEBSITE: http://www.nungalinya.edu.au/ WEBSITE: http://www.wontulp.qld.edu.au/ The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission of the National Council of Churches of Australia WEBSITE: http://www.ncca.org.au/departments/natsiec The provision of adequate finances, church buildings and equipment for Indigenous congregations. [It is not generally understood that hardly any Indigenous clergy have the usual arrangements for the provision of income] Nungalinya College Darwin whose foundation stone laid by Archbishop Sir Frank Woods in 1974 In 2013, Nungalinya College celebrated the 40 th anniversary of its establishment by the Anglican and Uniting Churches, later to be joined by the Catholic Church. In those denominations, most Indigenous clergy have studied at Nungalinya College or its sister college, Wontulp-Bi-Buya in Cairns. From its earliest days, the College has developed strong relationships amongst Indigenous people from these churches, and others.. Page 8 of 14
Sunday 31 May Governments and Aboriginal Community Leaders In an historic move in March 2013, the Government of the Northern Territory elected the Hon. Adam Giles as Chief Minister. Thus, he is the first Indigenous head of state in Australia. Pray for Indigenous members of Parliament. Members of Parliament with special responsibilities for Aboriginal matters: Social Justice Commissioner: Mr Mick Gooda. WEBSITE http://www.humanrights.gov.au/ Aboriginal academics and teachers. For schools with Indigenous students, especially those in remote areas. Leaders of Aboriginal Community Organizations Those responsible for planning: National Congress of Australia s First Peoples: A new national body. Changes to Australia s Constitution. Government support of Indigenous communities. Other Indigenous leaders: Community leaders and leaders of key Indigenous organizations. Musicians, such as Archie Roach, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Jessica Mauboy. Sportsmen and women: including Cathy Freeman; leading footballers from Douglas Nicholls (Fitzroy) onwards. Aboriginal men and women in business. All people in occupations who have close contact with Indigenous people: Teachers and chaplains in hospitals, schools, prisons and the services. Police, judges, prison officers and legal officers. Centrelink workers. Page 9 of 14
Monday 1 June Victorian Koori Use this prayer today: Parishes are also encouraged to use this prayer regularly. A Prayer for Reconciliation by Bishop Arthur and Mrs Colleen Malcolm Lord God, bring us together as one, reconciled with you and reconciled with each other. You made us in your likeness, you gave us your Son, Jesus Christ. He has given us forgiveness from sin. Lord God, bring us together as one, different in culture, but given new life in Jesus Christ, together as your body, your Church, your people. Lord God, bring us together as one, reconciled, healed, forgiven, sharing you with others as you have called us to do. In Jesus Christ, let us be together as one. Amen. Source : A Prayer Book for Australia, p 203. Also the following prayer is appropriate: A Thanksgiving for Australia, by the Revd Lenore Parker, A Prayer Book for Australia, p 218. Reproduced above. More resources for corporate worship may be found by checking the entry for Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in the index at the rear of your prayer book Memorial plaque near Melbourne s Shrine of Remembrance. The plaque is located close to St Kilda Road, near the tram stop. Aborigines in Victoria Victorian Koori have had less success in achieving recognition of their land claims than Indigenous people in other States and Territories. New ways of recognizing claims have been developed which involve less adversarial forms of working. Page 10 of 14
Let us give thanks for those who work for justice in land claims and pray that their labours may continue to be wise and fruitful. Pray for Koori communities across Victoria. Lake Tyers Community Koories can be found in every municipality in Victoria. Many live a long way from their homelands, such as people linked to Lake Condah. Places where lots of Koories live include Shepparton, Robinvale, Echuca, Gippsland, Western Victoria, Dandenong, Preston/Thornbury, Eastern suburbs. Pray for those who feel hurt by the activities of Christians. Pray for Aboriginal Christians in Victoria Victorian Indigenous Prayer Network: Convenor: Anne Green. Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship: Convenor: Denis and Maureen Atkinson. Aboriginal Catholic Ministry: Convenor: Ms Vicky Clark. The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress [part of UCA]: Regional Chairperson: the Rev Willie Pickett; State Director: Mr Vince Ross. Various independent fellowships and churches which meet across the State. And for those who are treated badly because of their faith. Pray for Parishes seeking to make contact with local Indigenous people. The Aborigines Advancement League, now in Thornbury, has a long proud history of working for justice. Page 11 of 14
Tuesday 2 June: Indigenous Policies, Health and Education Aboriginal elder from Ngukurr, NT, the Rev Marjorie Hall (on right) at the Royal Darwin Hospital. We confess the inequality in our community, especially Indigenous people who are too highly represented amongst people with serious illness, unemployment, poverty and inadequate housing. Pray That there might be a widespread desire to change things for the better. For those concerned with health provision: Doctors, nurses and all people who work in hospitals. Community health workers, including Aboriginal health workers and carers. Medical researchers. That all men and women may have access to meaningful occupations. For all Centrelink workers. For all teachers, school administrators and educational researchers. That the efforts of government to improve the provision of housing might be successful. For the large army of Aboriginal women and men who try to help their families and communities. For the least powerful people in communities, especially children and the elderly. For Indigenous people in penal institutions, and those who care for them. For all members of Parliament and public servants, that all policies and actions might be just and compassionate. That the next developments in the area of the Federal Intervention might restore dignity and justice where they have been compromised, and that widespread harmony and well-being might be the result. That the Close the Gap initiative to support the health needs of Indigenous Australians will lead to effective gains. Page 12 of 14
Wednesday 3 June: 22 nd anniversary of the Mabo High Court judgment This judgment, in 1992, recognized that the people of Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait had always possessed their own land, with clearly marked internal boundaries. This established a legal basis for traditional ownership and was a clear recognition that the legal notion of terra nullius was inappropriate. We give thanks for the many positive outcomes of land settlements across the nation. We pray for Indigenous people as they seek to care for their land, to make it accessible and to use it to support themselves in the twenty-first century. We pray for Indigenous people who remain out of contact with their homeland, especially those who do not know where they came from. [This a particular problem with people who have been describes as part of the Homeless Generation] The Future: Pray for Justice and Generous Hearts. More and more Christians are concerned that the process of reconciliation has stalled. Pray that the Holy Spirit may convict more and more people to open their hearts. Pray for Anglicans as they consider the issues of Restitution. In 2010 the Synod of the Diocese of Melbourne resolved: Practical Restitution for Indigenous Peoples (Motion 23) That this Synod, acknowledging the impact on Indigenous peoples of this region, the traditional owners, arising from the loss of their land and undermining of their culture, the breakup of their society, and the damage caused by successive government policies, often well-intentioned but in ignorance of the profound issues involved, and the church s frequent complicity with those actions and policies, desires to continue to engage in a process of practical restitution which, (a) acknowledges the debt we owe to the Aborigines in terms of restitution, respect, and Gospel partnership; (b) requests the Archbishop in Council to work with the Diocesan Indigenous Policy Steering Committee to initiate a process of listening, learning, thinking and prayer in order to discern appropriate responses which may include engagement in the national Reconciliation process and forms of restitution; and to develop a comprehensive and practicable plan of action for the Diocese... [Emphases added] The establishment of a Reconciliation Action Plan is one of the major developments from this. Page 13 of 14
Thank God for the Indigenous partnerships program of the Diocese of Melbourne, especially with Nungalinya College, Darwin, and for the commitment of parishes, schools, colleges and agencies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Please continue to pray that God will guide the Archbishop and all who are called to advise and lead the Diocese in discerning appropriate responses to the situation in which we find ourselves, that we might have the courage to follow God s voice. In particular, pray for the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan for the whole Diocese, that it might be established with wisdom and implemented with enthusiasm, leading to meaningful reconciliation at a local level. St Jude s Anglican Church acknowledges the Wurundjeri People as the traditional custodians of this land and are committed to work for reconciliation and justice. Prayers from An Australia Prayer Book have been reproduced with the kind permission of Broughton Publishing Pty Ltd, which is the publishing arm of Anglican Church of Australia. Page 14 of 14