Archbishop Denis Hart
Extracts from Address at Reconciliation Gayip 15 May 2001
...As we move into the second century of a Federated Australia, reconciliation
remains both a challenge and an important key to our future.
The time has come for all Australians to work together for a decent
future for every member of this country and in particular to work
towards eradicating the gaps in education, health, employment and
self esteem that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians...
Tragically, because of ignorance, violence and even through misguided
efforts of well meaning people, including those in the Church, the
Indigenous culture of this country has been largely destroyed or lost.
We can now admit this; we can acknowledge that even the best intentions
of good people in hindsight did not always serve the best interest
of Indigenous Australians. Many Aboriginal people were removed from
land, family and from traditional lifestyle. The grief and pain that
this has caused not only these people but the generations after them
is enormous.
Today is a day to acknowledge that we can move forward. The healing
process will take time but with the will to change and grow it can
happen. As Christians we have the Scriptures as our inspiration. St
Paul reminds us that God has reconciled us to himself through Christ
and given us the ministry of reconciliation. "So we are ambassadors
for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat
you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." The work of reconciliation
is based on the twin first commandment of love of God and love of
neighbour. The beginning of both is knowledge and understanding.
In terms of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
people, Pope John Paul II said at Alice Springs in 1986:
The Church of Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus
wants her to be until you (the Indigenous peoples of Australia) have
made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has
been joyfully received by others.
John Paul II at Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs in 1986
These words are as true today as they were fifteen years ago. They
are words that indicate the path towards Reconciliation - listening,
changing and receiving...
Re-awakening
We are all challenged to the process of re-awakening. Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islanders are called to a reawakening and reclaiming
of their culture, tradition, language and to a strengthened sense
of dignity, pride and self-worth. All Australians are challenged to
an openness to what the discovery of our shared history might mean
for us. There are secrets of this land and lessons of love, survival
and spirituality that await the adventurous spirit. In opening our
eyes to the lifeways and traditions of this ancient land we may even
learn to appreciate in greater depth the traditions out of which we
have come. For many of us here today that has been the Christian tradition.
Acknowledge that Justice and Truth are at the Heart of Reconciliation
As well as reawakening now is the opportunity for us to acknowledge
that justice and truth are at the heart of Reconciliation. There is
a keen desire across our country to continue the work of justice and
equal opportunity for all Australians. It is my hope that all young
people here today will work to promote the dignity of the human person.
It is my hope that many of you will take an interest in public policy
and public debate in order to redress the disadvantage of those who
have suffered in this country. Too many of those who have suffered
hardship have come from communities of Aboriginal Australians and
Torres Strait Islanders. I hope, with you, that the history of the
next 100 years of this country will tell a different story - one of
hope, opportunity and pride in traditional culture and lifestyles.
Catholic Tradition of Reconciliation
Already in the Catholic tradition there is a long-standing practice
of Reconciliation. Since the early church there has been a practice
of seeking reconciliation for wrongdoing against God and against our
neighbour. The process is the same then as it is now. It includes
the following:
Acknowledging wrongdoing. The practice of reconciliation encourages
us to admit that there are times in our life when we do chose to do
the wrong thing. Our actions and words can have a negative effect
on others. The beginning of reconciliation is to acknowledge our wrongdoing
and fault.
Expressing sorrow in truthful ways. Having acknowledged our wrongdoing
the next step is to have the courage and humility to express our sorrow
for what we have done to hurt others.
Forgiving and being forgiven. The great thing about Christianity
is that our seeking of forgiveness is always met by a forgiving God.
There is always the opportunity for us to begin again. We do not have
to remain in our state of shame and sorrow. We are called to know
God's forgiveness in our lives and to forgive one another. The practice
of reconciliation makes us more able to accept forgiveness and to
grow as forgiving people.
Undertaking as far as possible to restore the damage caused by wrongdoing.
In the Catholic tradition the process of reconciliation has also
included the task of restoring the damage caused by our wrongdoing.
Action is needed to put things right. God's forgiveness and his grace
assist us in achieving this outcome.
Reconciliation will take place in our country when it begins to be
a practice in our lives...
The Task of Young People Today
I call on all young people here today and those watching throughout
Victoria to know the history of this land. Reflect on the Christian
tradition that tells us that all people are made in the image and
likeness of God. I ask you to extend your hand and accept the offer
of a new beginning offered to us all today...
My dear young friends, you are a sign of hope and the promise of
the future. Your attitudes and beliefs will shape our future direction
of this country. May you grow as strong and as fruitful as the trees
that we plant. May you grow in love of this land and learn from the
connection to this land that Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait
Islanders have had for thousands of years.
May you grow strong in the Catholic tradition of reconciliation and
forgiveness. Finally, may God who has begun the good work in you bring
it to completion.
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