Reconciliation Week [27 May to 3 June 2024]
"Now More Than Ever"
“Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation,” says Reconciliation Australia. Reconciliation is not a singular issue but can be seen as five interrelated dimensions: historical acceptance; race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; and unity.
At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
The journey to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is not easy, but the Catholic Church remains hopeful of healing.
This is the message from Chair of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Bishop Charles Gauci, as Australians mark National Reconciliation Week in 2024
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The Stolen Generation: Then and Now
It is vital for us in the Church to keep learning about the history of the Stolen Generations, but also to learn how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still being removed from their families at high rates. To make amends for the wrongs in which we have played a part, we need to be active in accompanying First Nations Peoples in their struggle for justice.
In their 2023-2024 Social Justice Statement, the Bishops of Australia invite us, as Catholics, to overcome injustice with three simple actions – listen, learn, love. They ask us to engage with First Nations Peoples in a way that is characterised by a commitment to encounter and dialogue, reciprocity, mutual accompaniment and a desire to put the other at the centre of our attention. A way that is grounded in the love that is at the heart of Jesus’ message.
"Share Our Pride" Learning Journey
Reconciliation Australia’s 'Share Our Pride' website is designed to give non-Indigenous people a glimpse of how life looks from an Australian and Torres Strait Islander perspective. The 'Learn' section will take you on an awareness-raising journey to give you a taste of traditional cultures and learn about our shared history.
Reconciliation Week in Australia started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation back in 1993, which was the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples — and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. This makes sense to me, because reconciliation as a concept is at the heart of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and probably also at the heart of many other faith traditions that I know less about," writes Joshua Lourensz, Executive Director of CSSV.
Reconciliation Australia Quiz
Try testing your knowledge of reconciliation in Australia with Reconciliation Australia's “Reconciliation Quiz”. It’s a great way to start your personal journey of listening, learning and loving.
Take the Reconciliation Quiz >>
