Territory commits to bridging the gap
“Today we are making history, as we launch the Reconciliation Action Plan of The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory,” said Commissioner James Condon, Territorial Commander, on 3 August.
Speaking at the launch of the Reconciliation Plan (RAP) at the Brisbane North Corps, Commissioner Condon emphasised that reconciliation is about developing a unified and positive relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and, as a faith movement, being committed to social justice, equity and freedom. “There is absolutely no place for racism or discrimination in Australia,” he said.
Uncle Joe Kirk began the launch with a traditional smoking ceremony as guests arrived and entered the corps. Danny Doyle gave an Acknowledgement of Country, inviting everyone, in his native Aboriginal language, and in English, to “see and hear the voices of yesterday and celebrate the children of tomorrow”. After the Reconciliation prayer and rich cultural displays from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, Uncle Vince Ross, Salvation Army National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group Chairperson, thanked the reference group for their hard work in contributing so much to the RAP, and Salvation Army leaders for their total support of the process.
More than 20 RAP focus groups, and about 200 people from The Salvation Army, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, service groups, and community stakeholders contributed to the development of the RAP. “The RAP is a pathway to putting our good intentions into practice,” said Shirli Congoo, Territorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministry Coordinator. “We are on a journey to a reconciled Australia. We have a love for God and for our people, to live their lives to the fullest and for truth and reconciliation to be the cornerstone of that journey. Reconciliation is not complicated. It’s about relationships and respect, which can sometimes be challenging but never the less rewarding. I believe our RAP is a good starting point and can grow into something far greater over time.”
Uncle Bill Buchanan, State Coordinator of Reconciliation Queensland, complimented The Salvation Army on the RAP, and shared his vision of working together in the future to help make the RAP a reality. Kylie Waldren shared her powerful testimony of recovery from addictions that had brought her, broken and without hope, to Brisbane Recovery Services Centre (Moonyah). “Moonyah was my first experience of God and I know now that I am a miracle, driven by hope and returned to God as my mother prayed,” she shared. “I am an adherent at God’s Sports Arena, am studying for a diploma in Justice and Community Services, and have rebuilt relationships with my family and Aboriginal community.”
Adrian Kistan, former Territorial Indigenous Ministries Coordinator, who led the development of the RAP, gave closing comments at the launch, explaining that through the RAP, The Salvation Army is making a statement – that we are committed to reconciliation. “We have the plan, the intention and the motivation, but it’s in the action that the real change will take place,” he said. “Together we can see a reconciled Australia that reflects the glory of God.”
The RAP’s purpose is to outline the Army’s vision for practical reconciliation within the Australia Eastern Territory. It provides a framework for corps, programs and ministries throughout the territory to help build closer relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, focusing on three key areas: respect, relationships and opportunities.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.