Referendum date announced
Now is the time to join others in actions to support a Yes to healing and hope.
August 30, 2023
The Uniting Church in Australia welcomes the announcement of 14 October as the date for the referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress National Interim Chair Rev Mark Kickett said today, “This is an exciting opportunity for the nation to come together as one and for First Nations people to finally be heard.”
“14th October will be an opportunity for all of us – First and Second Peoples – to take a step toward healing and reconciliation, and at the same time, provide a foundation for hope."
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“The Bible calls us to be sincere with love. To live in harmony with one another. The invitation of the referendum is to do better at how we care for one another.”
“14th October will be an opportunity for all of us – First and Second Peoples – to take a step toward healing and reconciliation with our past, and at the same time, provide a foundation for hope.”
Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis encouraged Uniting Church members and all Australians to get involved and to engage in respectful and positive conversations in the lead up to the referendum.
“Now is the time to embrace this incredible opportunity to recognise and commit to listening to 60,000 plus years of history, culture, spirituality and wisdom. We know we can improve outcomes if we commit to hearing from First Nations people on issues impacting their lives and communities.”
“This will be a practical and powerful step forward of which we can all be proud. I encourage all Australians to vote yes to healing and hope.”
Do you want to get more involved with other UCA people in actions to support a Yes vote?
This is a new opportunity in the final 45 days of the referendum to get involved in more activities and share with us what you are already doing.
Don't forget, you can find all our resources at uniting.church/voice.
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