National Reconciliation Week (27th May to 3rd June) is upon us.
This week-long commemoration is a time for all Australians to celebrate and learn more about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.
Together we can mourn the injustices from the past, celebrate positive changes and look for ways that we can all contribute towards creating a more reconciled Australia.
Reconciliation is practical steps taken to rebuild and restore a relationship. It’s costly and can take time, but it is important.
It is this call of reconciliation that is so important to us as Christians. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 reminds us that we have been reconciled to God through the price of Jesus’ death (verses 18-19).
Therefore, as people restored in our relationship with God, we have been instructed to be Christ's ambassadors in the “ministry of reconciliation” (v18) with the message of reconciliation to the world (v19-20).
As God’s people we are called to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus and to demonstrate His love to others. National Reconciliation Week is a great opportunity to show Christ’s love by seeking to act and show reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme this year for National Reconciliation Week is, “Be a Voice for Generations - Act today to help tomorrow”. Let’s consider how we can all be involved in speaking and acting in reconciliation towards our Indigenous community in our workplaces, churches and community so that we can all look forward to a more reconciled Australia in the future.
Click here for a helpful resource if you wish to learn more about National Reconciliation Week.
Mr David Russell
Head Teacher – HSIE / Biblical Studies
