It was a momentous occasion at the weekend as Newcastle Anglican officially launched its first-ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Anglican Bishop of Newcastle Dr Peter Stuart, Chief Executive Officer John Barriga and Director of Reconciliation Aunty Di Langham led the significant event.
They were joined by Uncle Tony Ridgeway, who delivered the Welcome to Country, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison, and dozens of representatives from across the diocese.
Bishop Peter Stuart said reconciliation required the Church to acknowledge its own history, as well as commit itself to a different future.
“As an Anglican bishop, I cannot launch a Reconciliation Action Plan without acknowledging that the Church was part of the colonising project in Australia,” he said.
“Christian faith was too often intertwined with assumptions of British cultural and political superiority, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bore the consequences.”
Bishop Peter said reconciliation started with listening, learning, and truth-telling.
“Our first task is to listen deeply. We have much to learn, and our Reconciliation Action Plan reflects that commitment,” he said.
“No Reconciliation Action Plan can begin without truth. Our work involves truth-telling, and it will continue to do so.”
He said reconciliation was central to the Christian faith.
“As Christians, we believe that God is always drawing people into deeper relationship with God, with one another, and with creation. Reconciliation lies at the very heart of that calling,” he said.
The RAP represents a shared commitment to operate in a culturally safe and appropriate manner that respects and values First Nations peoples, their cultural knowledge and lived experience.
Aunty Di encouraged Newcastle Anglican and the wider community to own Australia’s history.
“We want you to walk with us, not separate to us,” she said.
“We want you to realise that you have 60,000 years of history. You own it – we’re sharing it with you.
“We also want you to listen and to start doing some truth-telling.
“That will come as the RAP eventuates. That’s how reconciliation happens – you acknowledge it. You say: ‘yes, we did do it but we’re going to move on together.’”
During the RAP launch, Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) teacher Todd Saunders and a Traditional Dance Crew showcased their passion and dedication to culture with a wonderful performance.
The event took place at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX).
