By celebrating Reconciliation Week, we promote a just, equitable and reconciled Australia. The national theme this year is:

More than a Word. Reconciliation Takes Action.

This calls us to take our awareness and knowledge about injustice towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and use it to bring about more substantive, brave action. For reconciliation to be effective, it must involve truth-telling, and actively address issues of inequality, systemic racism and situations where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced. At the heart of this time of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories and cultures and continue to explore reconciliation in Australia. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Let us reflect on this theme with a Christian lens, as we are told throughout our scriptures to follow God’s way of justice in both word and action. Jesus Christ himself effected reconciliation between God and creation through his death and resurrection. In his footsteps, then, we bring our whole lives and efforts today to the work of healing and reconciling action.

So often we can change our words, but we find it harder to put them into action. We forget that true religion results in compassionate deeds and justice, and rising above the divisions of the world around us.

Let us pray… Creator Spirit, You call each one of us your children in the heavenly kingdom where there is mutual respect, resolve and responsibility. As we continue to write this new chapter in our Australian story, help us to move forward with the Spirit of humility and grace instilled in us by Jesus, who broke down the divisions imposed by our human imperfection. May your love that knows no end continue to dwell in our hearts as we work for peace and harmony in all times and places. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, the peacemaker. Amen.

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