'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."
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