- The process of reconciliation between Aboriginal Spirituality and religious traditions has been a long and slow one. This is especially so as various Christian denominations such as the Uniting Church, Catholics and Anglicans have only in the last twenty five years tried to pursue justice as Aboriginal culture was disregarded and silenced over the years. Consequently several Christian churches have played a major role in closing the gap that had prevented indigenous Australians from having an equal voice in modern society.
- Aboriginals are the original inhabitants of Australia. However in 1788, the British invaded their land and disposed them of their country, disregarding their culture, and political systems. Over the years several Christian …show more content…
During this time Christian missionaries could evangelise and “civilise” Aboriginal people, with some Christian mission organisations, having an active policy of destroying aboriginal culture. Ceremonies could not be held and aboriginal people were not allowed to leave the missions and reserves. As they failed to connect with most of the indigenous population and their land.
- The process of reconciliation has involved a range of invites from various Christian denominations. In 2001 John Paul the second issued an Exhortation relating to Aboriginal peoples. *Quote “The Church will support the cause of all Indigenous peoples who seek a just and equitable recognition of their identity and their rights; and the Synod Fathers expressed support for the aspirations of indigenous people for a just solution to the complex question of the alienation of their lands.”
- Another example is that Christian denominations such as the Catholic Church have incorporated Aboriginal Spirituality into their worship. For example, the smoking ceremony has been included as a part of the Penitential Rite (purification ritual) in the Catholic Mass; in 1995 the smoking ceremony was part of a mass celebrated by Pope John Paul the second for the beautification of Mary Mackillop. *LOOK IN TEXT, INTERNET, RESOURCE …show more content…
Religious leaders from most of the mainstream denominations have argued that non aboriginal Australians have a moral duty to recognise and address the injustices suffered by indigenous Australians. In 1998 as part of the National “Sorry Day” a number of church leaders offered public apologises to those aboriginal Australians who had suffered as a result of government and church policies. Reconciliation is important for both aboriginal and non- aboriginal Christians on a spiritual level, as it draws us closer as a community and provides a respectful relationship between us and aboriginal
- Aboriginals are the original inhabitants of Australia. However in 1788, the British invaded their land and disposed them of their country, disregarding their culture, and political systems. Over the years several Christian …show more content…
During this time Christian missionaries could evangelise and “civilise” Aboriginal people, with some Christian mission organisations, having an active policy of destroying aboriginal culture. Ceremonies could not be held and aboriginal people were not allowed to leave the missions and reserves. As they failed to connect with most of the indigenous population and their land.
- The process of reconciliation has involved a range of invites from various Christian denominations. In 2001 John Paul the second issued an Exhortation relating to Aboriginal peoples. *Quote “The Church will support the cause of all Indigenous peoples who seek a just and equitable recognition of their identity and their rights; and the Synod Fathers expressed support for the aspirations of indigenous people for a just solution to the complex question of the alienation of their lands.”
- Another example is that Christian denominations such as the Catholic Church have incorporated Aboriginal Spirituality into their worship. For example, the smoking ceremony has been included as a part of the Penitential Rite (purification ritual) in the Catholic Mass; in 1995 the smoking ceremony was part of a mass celebrated by Pope John Paul the second for the beautification of Mary Mackillop. *LOOK IN TEXT, INTERNET, RESOURCE …show more content…
Religious leaders from most of the mainstream denominations have argued that non aboriginal Australians have a moral duty to recognise and address the injustices suffered by indigenous Australians. In 1998 as part of the National “Sorry Day” a number of church leaders offered public apologises to those aboriginal Australians who had suffered as a result of government and church policies. Reconciliation is important for both aboriginal and non- aboriginal Christians on a spiritual level, as it draws us closer as a community and provides a respectful relationship between us and aboriginal