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Apology
to the Stolen Generations
The federal parliament’s apology to the
Stolen Generations was a highly significant, historic and emotional
event. Few of us can appreciate the significance of the statement for
the Aboriginal people and especially for the members of stolen
generations. We recognise that this is an important step towards justice
for this nation’s first people, and towards reconciliation and healing
for all of us.
The Church of England, as the Anglican Church of Australia used to be
known, was specifically mentioned in the Prime Minister’s address, since
we, along with many denominations, were involved in raising those
children taken by force from their parents. While most of those involved
acted with the best of intentions, there is also no doubt that children
were deeply traumatized by the actions of our Anglican predecessors, and
that many still bear the emotional and spiritual scars. As Christians
who are members of the Anglican Church of Australia we share in our
nation’s shame and share in our nation’s apology.
On our behalf the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia
offered an apology in 1998. It read as follows:
"On behalf of the Anglican Church of Australia the General Synod
apologises unreservedly and seeks forgiveness for any part played,
knowingly or unwittingly, by the Anglican Church that has ever
contributed in any way to that hurt or trauma by the unjustified removal
of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children from their families,
and for our past silence on this issue."
An apology like this is an important step. But there are more steps to
be taken. At All Souls we are committed to racial reconciliation and
harmony, and to correcting past wrongs where possible. We support the
government’s intention to close the gaps in health, education and life
expectancy between black and white Australians and trust that Aboriginal
people will, as far as they are able, contribute to the process by
sharing responsibility for these outcomes.
All Souls Anglican Church acknowledges that the land we stand on today
traditionally belonged to the Gadigal and Wangal people, of the Eora
nation. This church respectfully acknowledges the descendants of the
Gadigal and Wangal people, as well as all other Aboriginal & Torres
Strait Islander people who reside within the parish.
Tim Foster (Rev.)
RECTOR
Lent 2, 2008
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