'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 OAM
September 4, 2024
This 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, Darwin, Thursday 29th August 2024
To my mind, the Rev Dr was a professor of two knowledge systems. He was a senior Law Man within the Yolngu knowledge system with considerable knowledge and wisdom about the Yolngu “Luku Ngarra”, the Law of the Land. He was also a Christian Theologian in the western understanding. He had knowledge and wisdom about the Christian faith. He connected the two systems in a way that changed people’s thinking.
When the Rev Dr studied the Christian Scriptures, he recognised in the Old Testament, in the Hebrew story, similarities with Yolngu culture and spirituality.
He discerned that Yolngu Law was a gift from God, the Creator Spirit, the God of the Hebrews, the God incarnate in Jesus the Christ. An early publication of his sermons was entitled “God, you gave us the Dreaming.” Although he would not use the English word “Dreaming” in later life, the confession was clear. God was with Yolngu from the beginning. Yolngu Law was sacred. It was a forerunner to the message about Jesus, the anointed One. Jesus the Christ was the spiritual rock and foundation of all things.
His preaching changed beliefs about the relationship of the Christian Gospel to Yolngu culture and spirituality.
His belief was confirmed by the Holy Spirit when, in the late 1970’s and into the 1980’s, he led a Spiritual Revival in Arnhem Land and in other places around Australia.
But the Rev Dr.’s spirituality was wholistic. For him, Justice was as integral to the Christian message as was salvation. For the healing of the people, justice had to be done. He was a warrior for justice for Yolngu. He was a warrior for justice for all Indigenous people.
And he believed passionately that Yolngu needed to be self-reliant and financially independent. So, he worked with ALPA to achieve success in that enterprise, always seeking to expand its activities and increase its benefits for Yolngu. His ministry was wholistic.
The Rev Dr Gondarra did as God required, according to the prophet Micah. He did justice. He loved mercy. He walked humbly with God. That is the legacy he leaves us. That is his example that we will do well to follow.
Rev Steve Orme
Notes:
Yolngu are the Aboriginal people of North East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
ALPA is the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation. Rev Dr Gondarra was the first Aboriginal Chair of the Board and was so for 30 years.
Read the Assembly's tribute to Rev Dr Gondarra, June 2024
Images: Nungalinya College on Facebook (Top: Rev Steve Orme)
"God was with Yolngu from the beginning. Yolngu Law was sacred. It was a forerunner to the message about Jesus, the anointed One."
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.
Read more Assembly news
President's Conference to weave faith, justice and community
2025 President’s Conference to weave faith, justice, community and Tongan hospitality From prophetic voices to young leaders, the conference will celebrate the partnership between the Uniting Church and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga — and renew a shared call to faith, justice, and discipleship When people gather in the Kingdom of Tonga…
Day Of Mourning 2026
#UCADayofMourning Sunday 25 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.…
President reflects at the close of the WCRC General Council
Reflection from the President: persevere in our witness President Rev Charissa Suli reflects on the World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council, which closed on Thursday after 10 days in Chiang Maiwritten by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia It has been almost a week since the 27th General Council of…
Reflection: Conference of our Zimbabwean siblings
Faith, culture and community celebrated Attending the annual conference of the Australia and Oceania Fellowship of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe deepened Rev Kath Behan’s understanding of cross-cultural partnership and God’s boundless familyby Rev Kath Behan, National Consultant with The AssemblyIn late September, I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the Australia…
This is my Uniting Church: Westbourne Park Uniting Church
This is my Uniting Church Westbourne Park Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we shine the spotlight on Westbourne Park Uniting Church, located…
Position available: National Manager - Media and Communications
The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking a highly skilled National Manager, Media and Communications to manage implantation the strategy for media and communications. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a national faith-based organisation, enabling leadership across governance, pastoral presence, and public representation.Subscribe to our newsletterIf…
UCA active and visible at WCRC General Council
UCA delegation renewed to perservere in their witness After playing a prominent role at the WCRC’s General Council, the UCA delegation heads home renewed and uplifted by the shared witness and unity of the gatheringThe Uniting Church in Australia has played an active and visible role at the 27th General Council of the World Communion…
Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community
Val Thurston: Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community Op shops have been part of Australian culture for 100 years. At Corrimal Uniting’s shop, volunteer Val Thurston welcomes with warmth all who walk inThis month marks a remarkable milestone in Australian history: the 100th anniversary of the humble op shop. Once viewed as a…