UAICC National Statement against social injustice
Image: Vigil for Cassius Turvey, Weeip Park in Midland, Perth on 31 October. Credit and thanks to: Marziya Mohammedali
November 2, 2022
The recent death of young Noongar Yamatji boy Cassius Turvey who was fatally attacked in Perth has gathered a nation in grief.
This sorrow echoes the injustice faced by First Peoples, past, present and future.
Our young people are our future leaders, our cultural compass, they are bearers of knowledge and keepers of country.
It is how we care for our young people that defines our maturity as a nation. We call leaders both in Australia and across the world to speak out against this attack and to address all forms of racism wherever they occur.
Without justice for First Peoples, we will not mature as a nation. We will continue to be outcasts, walking on our own traditional homelands.
We, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, request the Uniting Church and its members to be advocates for justice to successive governments, calling for the changes needed to end racial discrimination and social injustice.
The land and her peoples cry for justice in this country. There needs to be significant renewal within our social structures to influence change in the wider Australian community.
As Christians in this land, we are called to make social justice a mandate of faith and a fundamental expression of Christian discipleship.
Lord, we ask you to help us educate the wider Australian community to be agents of change and advocates of justice. Enable all forms of government, community and sectors of society to engage in loving conversations that honour all people in bringing social justice. May conversations lead to Spirit-led actions that transform communities and guide us to a shared future on the way to a promised goal.
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress sends our love and prayers to our National Interim Chair Rev Mark Kickett, the Turvey family, the Noongar and Yamatji people of Western Australia and to all West Australian Congress members.
May the love of Christ surround you all with comfort and peace.
UAICC National Executive
Read the Pastoral Letter from the President