“The theme for National Reconciliation Week, ‘Let’s talk recognition’, is also relevant to Christians as we start the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation,” said Bishop Saibo Mabo, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC), the peak Indigenous ecumenical body and commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA).
“We as Australians need to be united in one mind, one heart, and in one action as we continue on the journey of Reconciliation. Reconciliation is all about positive and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all other Australians.
“Reconciliation needs to be fair and include justice and proper recognition. True reconciliation is not to just talk about recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture but it is to act. We need to start at the policy level and start at the top with the Australian Constitution.”
During National Reconciliation Week May 27 to June 3 the churches are celebrating the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation.
Bishop Mabo said, “I call for all people to pray for Reconciliation and Recognition. It is important for us all to pray and understand people. We need to be of one accord, there’s no good fighting we must understand each other. We must see the land where we are as belonging to Creator God We need to work together in love, peace and joy.
“I strongly encourage everyone to attend one of the many services for reconciliation that are happening in every part of this land and unite all our prayers together for a better future. Reconciliation needs to be lived and real in every level of the Australian community.”
Prayer Resources are available here.
Bishop Mabo’s Prayer for Australia
Creator God,
We pray for this land, our culture, our customs,
our languages, our people and our nation.
Gather us together to look after for this land,
so that the beauty of our mother earth
may be preserved for all future generations.
Jesus our brother, give us your grace,
To be united in one mind, one heart,
and in one action so that we can continue
the journey of reconciliation,
to solve the divisions of our growth
and enable all Australians to work together
in love, peace and joy.
We ask you God the Holy Spirit,
Overshadow us with your presence
Especially this our nation.
We ask you to guide all people whether
black, white or yellow,
so we can truly learn and have better understanding
in the knowledge of language and culture of this land Australia.
Amen
© 2012 Bishop Saibo Mabo
Chairperson
National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC)
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) is the peak ecumenical Indigenous body in Australia. With NATSIEC’s guidance, the churches are working together for a fair deal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and for the healing of our nation.
