Honouring our UAICC Elders
Listening to the stories, faith and hopes of Congress members - a series of videos taken at the UAICC National Conference
July 5, 2023
The theme for this NAIDOC Week celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, recognising and honouring those people who have and continue to be champions for their communities.
For the Elders who first gathered at Crystal Creek in 1982 and discerned the vision for a First Peoples movement, to all those in Congress who have guided us in our Covenanting journey, we give thanks.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
This week especially, we celebrate and pay respects to the Elders within the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). For the Elders who first gathered at Crystal Creek in 1982 and discerned the vision for a First Peoples movement, to all those in Congress who have guided us in our Covenanting journey, we give thanks.
We give thanks for those who despite the suffering and hurt they have faced, boldly and without hesitation call us to stand for justice. We give thanks for those who share their connections to Country and culture and deepen our understanding of God. We give thanks for those who inspire us and encourage us with their love for Jesus. We give thanks for those who mentor and nurture the next generation of leaders.
At the UAICC National Conference in April held on Larrakia land in Darwin, the Assembly comms team had the opportunity to interview some Congress members. Asking, “What do you love about Congress?” and “What do you love about Jesus”, people openly and deeply shared some of their stories, their Congress journey, spoke passionately about their love for Jesus and voiced their hopes for the future.
We are delighted to share the first of these interviews during NAIDOC Week, with more to follow.
The first interviews are from Aunty Cynthia Webster (UAICC SA, Adnyamathanha), Rev Deacon Maratja Dhamarrandji (Northern Regional Council of Congress, Yolgnu) and Rev Dennis Corowa (UAICC QLD).
We encourage you to take some time during NAIDOC Week to listen to some of our Elders share their stories, faith and hopes.
Find ideas and resources for NAIDOC Week here
Photo above: UAICC National Interim Chair Rev Mark Kickett and Marrpalawuy Marika (NRCC) light a candle in a service honouring Congress Elders at the National Conference
Related news
Day Of Mourning 2025
#UCADayofMourning Sunday 19 January For 30 years the Uniting Church has been in Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). Made in honesty about our history and in hope for the future, the Covenant commits us to work for a just church and nation. Bound together…
UAICC Statement on passing of Rev Dr Michelle Cook
UAICC Statement on the passing of Rev Dr Michelle Cook National Chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, Rev Mark Kickett, has released a letter of pastoral supportPastoral support letter, from UAICC National Chairperson Rev Mark Kickett Upon the passing of Rev Dr Michelle Cook The UAICC National Chairperson, on behalf of the…
A call to listen, learn and act for reconciliation
A call to listen, learn and act for reconciliation President Rev Charissa Suli reflects on her experience attending a parliamentary reception in honour of King Charles and Queen Camilla this week, urging us to pay attention to emerging truthsOn Monday, President Rev Charissa Suli had the privilege of attending a Parliamentary reception for His Majesty…
A tribute to Rev Dr Gondarra
‘Holistic spirituality’: a tribute to Rev Dr Gondarra OAM This is the reflection given by Rev Steve Orme at the State Memorial for Rev Dr Gondarra OAMThis short reflection was given by Uniting Church minister Rev Steve Orme at the State Memorial Service for Rev Dr Gondarra OAM Held in the grounds of Nungalinya College,…
Submissions due: proposed Truth and Justice Commission
Deadline looming to make your submission on proposed Truth and Justice Commission The Bill is before a Senate Inquiry and you can make your voice heard until 20 SeptemberPlease note the deadline has been extended and submissions now close 20 September. The deadline is looming for submissions to a current parliamentary inquiry into a Bill…
State memorial to honour Rev Dr Gondarra OAM
State memorial to honour Rev Dr Gondarra OAM A service will take place this Thursday at Nungalinya College in Darwin to honour the trailblazing Yolŋu elder who died in JuneA state memorial will be held this week for Rev Dr Gondarra OAM, senior Yolŋu lawman, pioneering Aboriginal leader and Uniting Church minister, who died in…
NAIDOC Week 2024
Five ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024 From this Sunday 7 July until 14 July, Australians will mark NAIDOC Week, an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2024 NAIDOC Week theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. The theme honours…
How can you stand with Congress into the future?
How can you stand with Congress into the future? As she prepares to conclude her Presidency, Rev Sharon Hollis reflect on 30 years of the Covenant and shares her hopes for the future, calling upon the Church to stand with Congress by embodying the Covenant relationship across faith, church life and missionSubscribe to our newsletterIf…