October 14, 2023
Referendum result: Let's make sure we care for one another
The Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) acknowledge the deep disappointment for many at the referendum result, especially for First Nations people who supported a Voice.
“I encourage Uniting Church members, and all Australians, in our conversations and our actions, let’s do whatever we can to show support and care for First Nations people right now.”
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.
“We recognise this will be an extremely difficult day for many First Nations people, compounded by what has been a long and divisive conversation leading into the referendum,” said Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis.
“I encourage Uniting Church members, and all Australians, in our conversations and our actions, let’s do whatever we can to show support and care for First Nations people right now.”
“The increase in racism and vitriol against First Nations people over the past six months has been incredibly damaging. Indigenous people have had their cultural identity scrutinised constantly throughout this campaign.”
“We must ensure this result does not give way to further harm. We must be emboldened to call out racism wherever it occurs.”
The President said Australia must do some deep soul searching before it can move forward.
“Unless we confront the truth of colonisation and its ongoing effects, we won’t find freedom.”
“We as Second Peoples cannot seek forgiveness without some honesty and deep soul searching that promotes an understanding of our nation’s history and the hopes and dreams of First Nations people and a deeper commitment to reconciliation.”
“Let us ask ourselves, how will we stand with First Nations people in their sorrow? Where can we show up next alongside First Nations people? How will we support Indigenous people’s desire for self-determination and justice? How will we engage in seeking God’s reconciling love?”
Rev Hollis said the Uniting Church remained committed to the full implementation of the Uluru Statement.
“Our support for the Voice is grounded in our Covenant commitment with UAICC. There is much work to be done and inspired by this national conversation, we must be ready to listen to First Nations voices within the Church.”
UAICC National Interim Chair Rev Mark Kickett expressed his profound disappointment at the result on behalf of Congress members.
“This is a missed opportunity in our nation’s history,” said Rev Kickett. "We may never get an opportunity like this again for generations to come.”
“This will be a hard day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We long for reconciliation and healing.”
“As Christians, we draw comfort knowing that Jesus understands our pain and walks with us at this time. We will continue the fight and struggle for recognition and justice.”
Revs Kickett and Hollis thanked the many UAICC and Uniting Church people and communities who were part of the campaign, visibly showing support, having conversations and joining in actions.
More news
Vale Rev Dr Michelle Cook
Pastoral Statement on the passing of Rev Dr Michelle Cook The Uniting Church Assembly mourns the tragic loss of Uniting Church Deacon and Moderator-elect of the Northern Synod Rev Dr Michelle CookA Pastoral Statement from Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Dear members of the Uniting Church in Australia and friends…
Emergency Appeal for Lebanon
Emergency Appeal for Lebanon By Michael ZewdieBankstown District Uniting Church in NSW has launched an emergency appeal for Lebanon. With many thousands injured and approximately 1.2 million people displaced following continual strikes by Israel, funds will support the congregation’s partner churches to meet vast needs including supplies for shelters and meals.Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get…
2024-2025 Uniting Church Lectionary
2024-2025 Uniting Church Lectionary released The Assembly has released the 2024-2025 Uniting Church Lectionary, a key resource for preaching and worship leading in the ‘Year of Luke’The 2024-2025 Uniting Church Lectionary is now available to download from the Assembly, and available to order from Wayzgoose, the new online store for MediaCom and Uniting Church resources.…
Open doors and open hearts on Iona
Open doors and open hearts on the holy island of Iona Uniting Church minister Rev David MacGregor writes about the blessing of a lifetime spending nine weeks with the ecumenical Christian community on Iona, Scotlandwritten by Rev David MacGregor For nine immense weeks from mid-August this year, I served as a full-time volunteer on Iona,…
Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Holy Land
Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Holy Land ‘Out of the Depths I cried to you, O Lord’ On 28 November, join your church online for song, silence, love and lament for the Holy LandWe are now more than one year into the devastating Israel-Hamas war ravaging Palestine and the Holy Lands. More than 1,200…
'Not on the Titanic': Assembly General Secretary reflects
Not on the Titanic: a reflection and a beginning Andrew Johnson offers this reflection as he begins his role as General Secretary of the Assembly this week by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary “I do not believe we are on the Titanic…” As I step into the role of Assembly General Secretary I have been…
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…
Expressions of Interest invited for Assembly bodies
Expressions of Interest invited for two Assembly bodiesThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is inviting Expressions of Interest from skilled people to fill vacancies on the following Assembly bodies: UCA Assembly Limited Board (two vacancies from late 2024 for an initial three-year term) Assembly Audit, Finance and Risk Committee (AFARC) (one vacancy from late 2024 for an…