Australian national apology to the Stolen Generations

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

More than 100 members of Stolen Generations have been invited to the Australian Parliament for the reading of the apology and thousands more are expected to watch on screens outside

There will be a Broadcast of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations at Federation Square, broadcast live from Parliament House, followed by a free lunchtime concert. The concert will feature Archie Roach with Ruby Hunter, Shane Howard, Amos Roach, Amy Saunders, Dave Arden, Dan Sultan and Scott Wilson, Jarrah, The Stray Blacks.

More than 100 members of Stolen Generations have been invited to the Parliament for the reading of the apology and thousands more are expected to watch on screens outside. There will be a convergence on Canberra on Tuesday February 12 where participants will meet at the Tent Embassy and march to Parliament House. There will also be a breakfast at the Aboriginal Advancement League, for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

The Common Statement of Commitment
On July 2nd 2000, Heads of Churches gathered in an ecumenical service at St Patrick’s Cathedral and signed the following Statement of Commitment

The Common Statement of Commitment

“Acknowledging the injustices that that characterized the history of this country since 1788,
and re-affirming our apology to Indigenous people for our short-comings and past mistakes, the faith communities of Australia make the following promise.
We will do all we can to secure a fair go for indigenous Australians.
We will act to put right continuing injustices.
We will work together to heal our nation’s hurts.
Inspired by our spiritual heritage, we pledge ourselves to work for the vision of a united Australia that respects this land of ours, and values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.”

As we wait for the text of the apology from the Federal Government we urge you to continue to pray for justice for our Indigenous people, reconciliation and healing

Prayer for the Journey of Healing

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, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, love, 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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families 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 and 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 our hope.

Amen.