News

Dear Friends,
 
Today is a milestone in the history of Australia.  It is a day when a nation – as one – shows its maturity and looks to the future. We join with our friends across the whole of Australia, especially those linked to Wesley Mission, for whom the Apology to the Stolen Generations on behalf of the Australian Government is a cause for thanksgiving to God.

The Apology is made on behalf of the Australian Parliament and our political leaders should be affirmed for their leadership and commitment. Although saying sorry won’t heal all the hurts of the past, it can set a foundation for our collective hope. It is the beginning of a journey not the end of a struggle. The announcement has already had an immediate impact; some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel that the healing process has already begun.
 
This apology is not about compounding guilt.  It is important to realise that “sorry” does not have to be an expression of shame or guilt. On the contrary, it provides an opportunity for fresh beginnings. It is also the deepest expression of empathy - an acknowledgement of the pain and trauma experienced by Indigenous People. 
 
For some people, an apology is stirred by fear: angst generated by economic reductionism rather than grace. The Scriptures have a different view: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18). If we love we will not be fearful. Active and committed love is the greatest healer in personal and social relationships.

Moreover and contrary to popular opinion, a national apology will have no legal impact on the capacity of those affected to seek compensation. The ability to pursue legal claims has always existed.

I applaud the Commonwealth Government for taking the initiative at the beginning of a new era. I am also heartened by the initiative’s bi-partisan support.
 
Wesley Mission has always sought to stand with the marginalised and dispossessed.  It will always speak for their needs and for justice. An apology is a significant start but there is still much to do in relation to health, housing and education and other issues of equity.

I conclude with a prayer on the journey to healing for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities:
 
Almighty and loving God, You who created all people in your image,

Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.
You gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven.

We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.

We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness.
We pray for those who have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families.

We are sorry and ask your forgiveness.  Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted. Lord heal their spirits.

In your mercy and compassion, walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.

Lord, You are the hope of all the people of Australia.  Amen.
 
Warmly yours at this historic time,
 
Rev Keith V.Garner
Superintendent, Wesley Mission, Sydney