In February, Indigenous Church leaders and theologians gathered from across Australia to attend Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice, the first Indigenous theological conference of its kind.
St Paschal Chapel at the University of Divinity, Box Hill, Victoria, hosted the four-day conference. Nick Wight, IMA East Coordinator, welcomed eight Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA) partners who were sponsored and travelled long distances to attend.
Over the four days, participants explored Indigenous theological perspectives. Topics included spirituality, colonisation, justice and repatriation, country, and ecology. A range of presenters* shared First Nations’ theological perspectives. Other contributions included a response from the Council of Churches of Christ in Australia and the National Council of Churches Australia (NCCA).
It was an enriching experience for the delegates. Learning about First Nations’ history, culture and spirituality. There was also time to reflect on the outcome of the recent Voice to Parliament referendum. Teachings on hope, truth and reconciliation, balanced anger, hurt and pain.
Daily discussion groups allowed delegates like Kyle, one of the IMA partners who travelled from Western Australia, to share their thoughts.
“Addressing these complexities requires reconnecting and fostering reconciliation, starting with individual efforts irrespective of race or denomination,” Kyle said.
The conference was a powerful time together. It allowed time to foster friendships and chat with our IMA partners about the learnings. “It gave me the greatest hope for a reconciled future, and I have much more to learn from them,” GMP Chief Executive Officer John Lamerton shared.
This is an important time for Australian churches and communities to work together. To bring healing and reconciliation to our beautiful nation. You can get involved with IMA and learn more about our partners through the Walk for Hope Easter Appeal.
*Presenters included: Anne Pattel-Gray (Bidjara), Stan Grant (Wiradjuri), Katalina Tahaafe-Williams (Tonga) and Brooke Prentis (Wakka Wakka).