'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
Refugee Week 2026: A million stories, one shared humanity
From 14–20 June, churches, community groups and organisations across Australia will mark Refugee Week 2026, an opportunity to celebrate the courage, resilience and contributions of people who have sought safety and a new beginning in this country. This year’s theme, “A Million Stories”, marks a significant milestone: since…
Equitable energy upgrades: caring for people, caring for creation
Equitable energy upgrades:caring for people, caring for creation An environmental initiative, led by Armidale Uniting Church, is helping vulnerable households access the benefits of the clean energy transition, combining practical support, energy justice and community care By Trevor Brown and Rev Simon Hansford, Armidale Uniting Church In Armidale, on Anaiwan Country on the Northern…
Church members recognised in King's Birthday 2026 honours
King’s Birthday Honours 2026 The UCA congratulates those members of our Church who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the communityThe Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates all members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List. From insightful authors and compassionate community carers to enlightening…
Faithful advocacy at the heart of first Climate Action Roundtable
Faithful advocacy at the Heart of Climate Action Roundtable The Uniting Church’s first Climate Action Roundtable of the year encouraged participants to engage in climate justice through informed, practical and collective actionSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered…
Walking Together in Faith and Hope: UCA renews Tuvalu Partnership
Walking Together in Faith and Hope The Uniting Church in Australia has renewed its partnership with the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) this week, reaffirming a shared commitment to faith, solidarity and climate justice as Tuvalu faces an increasingly uncertain future.As rising seas continue to threaten the future of Tuvalu, the Uniting Church in Australia has…
Tending the Soul
Tending the SoulQueensland Ministry Agents Retreat with President Rev. Charissa SuliBy President Rev Charissa SuliThis week, ministry agents from across Queensland gathered at the Queensland Synod All Presbyteries Ministry Agents Retreat on the Sunshine Coast with President Rev. Charissa Suli. Leaders came together carrying the realities of ministry across diverse communities, held together by a shared call to serve and…
Uniting Church welcomes launch of TECS
Uniting Church welcomes launch of TECS By Paul WallbankThe Uniting Church in Australia participated in this week’s launch of SSI’s new Train, Engage, Connect and Support e-learning resource, to aid faith and community leaders in building confidence to recognising and responding to cases of family, domestic and sexual violence. Launched on Tuesday, 19 May by the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Tanya Plibersek, at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir Centre in Sydney’s Rosehill, the free online training program aims to equip leaders with the…
Gathered for the Generations
Gathered for the Generations Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.By Rev. Sandy BrodineVicTas Younger Generation Education and Strategy CoordinatorLast week, children, families, youth, and young adult workers from across the Uniting Church came together in…