Long Gully church St Matthew’s will hold a special service on the eve of Australia Day in recognition of the injustices Indigenous people have suffered since European arrival.
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Organiser Kim Cornford said the concept of the service was developed by a Brisbane-based Christian group called Common Grace which focuses on social justice issues, including Indigenous issues.
“I think justice for Indigenous Australians is a really central issue to our nation,” Mrs Cornford said.
“And as Christians, we’re called to seek truth and justice, and strengthen those who’ve been hard done by and walk alongside, so it seems like a pretty obvious connection.”
She believed the service would be helpful in improving non-Indigenous Australians’ understanding.
The service will include prayer, singing, and videos of speakers, including Aboriginal Christian leader Aunty Jean Phillips.
There will also be a slideshow that reflects on Australian history and injustices.
The service comes amid growing debate across Australia around the current date of Australia Day, January 26.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people see that date as the day that begun the invasion of their countries by the British, with some calling instead calling January 26 Invasion Day or Survival Day.
The service at the Long Gully church will be one of 15 to be held across the country in the lead-up to Australia Day.
It will be held at St Matthew’s on Eaglehawk Road at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 25.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
