“It is an essential part of our Christian mission to infuse society with the love which Christ offers.  This is a love which does not patronise or pity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.  It is a love which seeks them out where they are, listens to them and learns from their great wisdom and which walks with them to a place where we are together freed from every injustice and oppression.”

Social Justice Statement, The Australian Bishops Conference, p 1

I take notice of what’s going on in my local neighbourhood.  I notice young families in the park across the road from my house enjoying the recently refurnished playground.  On my daily walks I notice enormous houses being constructed, and the loss of open spaces, lawns and gardens.  I ponder the impact on the environment and our health and wellbeing.  And I notice people sitting outside my local supermarket who are reliant on the kindness of others.  I wonder how they came to be there and how as a community we can take better care of them.  I notice these things because they unfold right in front of me.

All Australians have been given the opportunity to take notice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with the Voice to Parliament referendum taking place later this year.  The Voice is one of the three recommendations of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Australian Catholic Bishops have called for all Australians to engage with the First Peoples of Australia to promote healing and unity in this year’s Social Justice Statement which coincides with Social Justice Sunday.  Their statement is entitled, Listen, Learn, Love – A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

At the heart of this year’s statement is a call for the people of God to listen to and learn from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers.  The Bishops encourage all Australians to participate in opportunities for dialogue about the referendum proposal and for a spirit of love and humility to be evident in our approach to the referendum.

This year’s statement acknowledges the history of injustice and suffering experienced by the First Peoples of Australia and expresses hope for a future where their voices are heard and respected, and a desire to bring about meaningful change that leads to healing and justice.  In the statement, members of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) also share their experiences.

The other day I met Sr Denise Cusack after Mass.  Denise is a Sister of Our Lady of Sion who has spent over 40 years being alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Melbourne, Perth and Mildura.  Denise told me that she recently spent four weeks with a community in Yuendumu in the Northern Territory, where she volunteered at the local school helping 5 & 6 year old children with their reading.  The Yuendumu School is a bilingual school where children speak the Warlpiri language and undertake their lessons in both Warlpiri and English.

Denise reflected on her time with the community in Yuendumu as both an enriching and humbling experience.  She was deeply moved by the welcome she received from every person in the community and the gentle way the children related to her.  This experience reminded Denise of the importance of the Voice referendum and the opportunity being offered to journey together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The Australian Catholic Bishops invite us to read this year’s Social Justice Statement and take notice of what’s going on for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and let their story unfold right in front of us.

By Tricia Norman

Visit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice for information and resources.