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Reconciliation and other Indigenous Issues
Resolution 02/01 - Aboriginal Health
That General Synod recognises and acknowledges the deplorable state of Indigenous health in this country and notes that many of the horrific statistics concerning health issues have dire consequences for the Indigenous community.
Indigenous people have been removed from their lands, disconnected from their culture, their language destroyed and their families and family relationships fragmented by continuing government policies. This alienation from their lands results in family break-down, drug, alcohol and other substance abuse and mental illness.
General Synod affirms the person as sacred and unique and, recognising that spiritual devastation is a major cause of Indigenous health problems, urges dioceses and parishes to:
- Advocate and agitate for a holistic approach to health
- Actively support Indigenous communities re-gaining their spiritual connections to the land
- Affirm the contribution that the creative engagement of Aboriginal Christians with their traditional spirituality makes to the healing process
- Support programs that address the Indigenous spiritual self.
General Synod calls on the Federal Government to continue, increase and enhance Indigenous health programs that recognise the spiritual and cultural aspects of both the causation and remedy to Indigenous ill-health.
Ms R Elu moved, Mrs V Sahanna seconding,Carried 25/07/01
04/01 Mandatory Detention
This General Synod, hearing the cry of pain and distress of Indigenous people expressed through and by NATSIAC joins with NATSIAC in condemning the practice of mandatory sentencing, notwithstanding the provision of diversionary programs. It calls on the Northern Territory and Western Australian Governments to repeal these laws. It calls on the next Federal Government to override the Northern Territory laws and to use such power as is available to it to have the Western Australian laws declared invalid.
The Revd D Langham moved, Ms V Sahanna seconding Carried 25/07/01
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07/01 Reconciliation
That this General Synod, believing there is much unfinished business following the closure of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation:
1. urges the Commonwealth Government to provide adequate funding for the new body, Reconciliation Australia;
2. assures its co-chairs, Shelley Reys and Fred Chaney, of our support of its programs to educate all Australians about the need for reconciliation,
3. endorses the priorities adopted by Reconciliation Australia, namely:
- To work to overcome social and economic disadvantage amongst Indigenous Australian people;
- to promote public debate on the desirability or otherwise of a treaty or agreement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians; and
- to encourage business corporations and voluntary associations to initiate projects in partnership with Indigenous Australians;
4. expresses its appreciation for the resources produced each year to help Anglicans observe the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation; and
5. encourages the national church and its dioceses and parishes to keep the issue of reconciliation on the agenda of this church through:
- participation in the annual Week of Prayer for Reconciliation; and
- by discussing with local Indigenous communities appropriate acts or symbols to recognise the traditional owners of the land on which the churches are built.
Mr I Carter moved, Mr I Walker seconding Carried 25/07/01
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09/01 Stolen Generations
This Synod notes that NATSIAC celebrates the positive response to Indigenous people by the wider community in many events since the General Synod in 1998 and:
Re-affirms Resolution 27 of 1998 which included an apology from the Anglican Church of Australia to the Stolen Generations and a commitment to implement the Bringing Them Home Report recommendations.
- Shares the profound disappointment expressed by NATSIAC at the continuing denial of the Stolen Generations by the Federal Government and its failure to apologise or to implement fully the recommendations of the Bringing Them Home Report.
- Asserts that appropriate response to the Stolen Generations is a national responsibility and the Federal Government must accept and take the lead.
- Calls upon the Federal Government to establish and appropriately resource alternative dispute resolution processes of mediation and negotiation and supports the formation of a national process to fulfil this responsibility.
- Calls on the Federal Government to secure access to records to facilitate re-connection as recommended in the Bringing Them Home Report.
- Requests all dioceses and parishes to pray and work for the healing of the nation and in order to facilitate re-connections to collaborate with the Federal Government and Indigenous people to make all archives and other records accessible.
- Commits the Anglican Church of Australia to support the establishment by the Council of Australian Governments of a national fund as recommended by the Bringing Them Home Report as part of the healing process and urges all Australians to contribute to it.
The Revd D Langham moved, Bishop A Malcolm seconding Carried 26/07/01
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27/98 “BRINGING THEM HOME” REPORT.
(i) (a) The General Synod acknowledges the deep hurt and trauma suffered by our indigenous brothers and sisters by the unjustified removal of children from their families described in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission Report, “Bringing Them Home”.
(b) 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 the issue.
(ii) The General Synod calls upon all Anglican Agencies and Anglicans to cooperate in the implementation, as far as practicable, of those recommendations in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission Report which relate to this Church.
(iii) The General Synod calls upon the Commonwealth Government to offer an apology to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for the unjustified removal of their children.
(iv) The General Synod urges the Commonwealth Government and its agencies seriously to consider the implementation of the other recommendations contained in the Report “Bringing Them Home” and to consult the Churches concerned and their agencies in the process of doing this.
The motion was Carried unanimously and with acclamation.
[The Most Reverend P.J. Hollingworth - 15-2-98]
48/98 RECONCILIATION
That the General Synod supports the process of reconciliation which has recently been initiated in Australia and calls upon all Anglicans and Anglican Agencies, to support initiatives and to take initiatives on their own account in their own areas, which will forward the process of reconciliation between indigenous people and others in the community.
That this General Synod supports the vision for reconciliation identified by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and calls upon all Australians to support energetic steps to move towards this goal.
“A united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all.”
[The Right Reverend B.W. Wilson - 19-2-98]
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49/98 NATIVE TITLE
That
The General Synod of The Anglican Church of Australia states:
(a) It is deeply conscious of the long and close connection of indigenous people with this land of Australia.
(b) That connection has been disrupted, profoundly disturbed and in many instances shattered during the past two hundred years, resulting in great suffering for indigenous people.
(c) We welcome the recognition that Aboriginal people have rights to land with which they have a close connection.
(d) We support the Primate's call in his Presidential Address for sensitive consultation rather than having an election on issues of race.
(e) Such consultation will need to deal carefully with the expectations, aspirations, fears and insecurities of all parties - Aborigines, Torres Strait Islanders, Miners and Pastoralists.
(f) We recognise our Christian obligation to speak out for the just rights of the disadvantaged and the poor.
(g) We need to do all we can to repair the wrongs of the past, conscious of the obligation to be fair and just to all Australians.
The General Synod urges all Australians to seek an honorable, decent and worthy compromise in the issue of native title and so further the cause of true reconciliation so that we might build a more secure, certain and prosperous Australia for all Australians.
The General Synod calls on all parties to reconsider their own position and be prepared to modify current demands.
The General Synod requests the Prime Minister:
(i) to reconsider the issues raised by the Senate amendments to the Government's Native Title Legislation.
(ii) to revisit these issues and hold urgent discussions with all stakeholders.
[Dr P. Carroll - 19-2-98]
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29/95 NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ANGLICAN COUNCIL
That General Synod:
(i) receives the report of the National Aboriginal Anglican Council since last General Synod; and
(ii) supports the continuance of the National Aboriginal Anglican Council as the recognised Council of the Anglican Church of Australia and makes a financial provision of $12,000 per annum for the next three years towards the ongoing funding of the Council.
[The Right Reverend C.M. Wood - 5-7-95]
30/95 NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ANGLICAN COUNCIL
That this General Synod invites the National Aboriginal Anglican Council to explore ways of providing further pastoral care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander congregations and clergy around Australia; the role of Aboriginal and Islander Bishops in this care and to bring proposals for consideration at the next session of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia.
[The Right Reverend C.M. Wood - 5-7-95]
31/95 Doctrine of Terra Nullius
That General Synod:
(i) acknowledges the historic existence of the doctrine of Terra Nullius, “a land belonging to no one”, or “an empty land”, and therefore General Synod fully supports the ruling of the High Court of Australia where, on the 3rd June, 1992 the High Court ruled that the enlarged notion of Terra Nullius be no longer held to apply to Australia;
(ii) believes it is the deeper questions of attitudes which really lie at the heart of social injustice, attitudes on the part of one people toward another people;
(iii) states that just as God has accorded dignity to all human life, so must we;
(iv) requests each diocese to address the whole issue of Terra Nullius together with the questions of attitude and common dignity as raised under this motion at their next diocesan synod, and that each diocesan synod request its bishops to ask that parishes take action on these issues.
[The Right Reverend C.M. Wood - 5-7-95]
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16/92 Aboriginal Council
That General Synod welcomes the proposed establishment (as soon as possible) of a National Aboriginal Anglican Council for a term of three years;
that General Synod accepts the recommended membership of twenty-four and that the initial funding be shared by the General Synod and the Missionary Agencies of the Australian Church;
that this General Synod make a financial provision of $10,000 per annum for three years towards the initial funding of the Council;
that the National Aboriginal Anglican Council would have the following aims and objectives:
Aims
1. To celebrate Aboriginal culture, language and lifestyle within the Anglican Church.
2. To be identified and recognised as a national body of the Anglican Aboriginal people.
3. To develop the "great commission" of Jesus - Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore into all the world making disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, and teach them everything I have commanded you."
4. To work towards self-determination and development of Aboriginal ministries within the Anglican Church of Australia.
5. To promote the education of and to be a channel of spiritual growth for the Aboriginal people.
Objectives:
1. Christian outreach and social welfare.
2. For the Anglican Church to listen to and act upon recommendations of the National Aboriginal Anglican Council.
3. To encourage and develop leadership roles by Aboriginal people.
4. To develop and promoote awareness of, and education about racism and prejudices within the churches so as to break down barriers.
and that General Synod continue to recognise Anglican involvement in the Australian Council of Churches Aboriginal and Islander Commission.
[Bishop G.V. Browning - 6-7-92]
76/85 Bishoprics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
That Standing Committee prepare for the next session of General Synod a report on possible options for the establishment of Bishoprics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Communities of the Anglican Church of Australia following consideration of the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the theological, pastoral and financial basis of such a proposal, and a Partners-in-Mission Consultation in the Province of Queensland.
[Bishop of North Queensland, 31-8-85]
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58/85 Aboriginal Land Rights
That General Synod:
1. welcomes the appointment of the General Synod Advisor on Aboriginal Affairs and expresses its gratitude to the Australian Board of Missions for making this possible;
2. re-affirms its commitment to the provision of land for Aboriginal communities as of moral right;
3. declares that Aboriginal communities need to be able to have such land with security, and with the right of self-management which takes into full account the Aboriginal need for control over mining exploration and extraction;
4. urges Federal and State Governments to adopt legislation accordingly and provide sufficient resources for its evolution and application, and
5. urges all Anglicans to work against the forces in our society which effectively keep Aboriginals as a powerless and oppressed group in Australia.
[Bishop M.B. Challen, 30-8-85]
30/81 Advancement of Aboriginal and Islander Australians
That this Synod, recogising the common humanity of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and non-Aboriginal people of Australia and the unity of all peoples declared in the Christian Gospel:
a. calls upon all Anglicans to recognise the existence of racial discrimination in Australia and to work towards its elimination in their own communities;
b. encourages the Church to affirm the creative aspects of Aboriginal and Islander culture and to recruit and train more Aboriginal Christian leaders;
c. calls upon the Federal Government to take initiatives with State governments to make freehold land available to recognised Aboriginal gorups as a foundation for the expression of their spiritual inheritance and cultural identity;
d. urges the relevant authorities to provide resources in order to encourage the self-managed health, welfare, legal and educational services which would lead to satisfying employment, social advancement and involvement for Aboriginal people.
[The Archbishop of Brisbane, 25-8-81]
31/81 Aboriginal Land Rights
That this General Synod requests all dioceses and Church members to examine seriously the implications for and effect upon, the Aboriginal Australians of:
a. the negotiation of a Makarrata or Treaty;
b. the recognition and restoration of rights to land;
c. compensation for loss of and damage to their lands and their traditional way of life; and
d. the protection of their identity, law and culture.
[The Bishop of Newcastle, 25-8-81]
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43/73 Aboriginal Development
This Synod receives the report of the Consultation on Aboriginal Development and takes serious note of the conclusions recorded therein.
It acknowledges the Church's responsibility to play its proper part in Aboriginal development, and it urges parishes, dioceses and provinces to support the Social Responsibilities Commission and the Missionary and Ecumenical Council together and in association with the Australian Council of Churches in their efforts to implement the report through education and action.
[The Bishop of Grafton, 26-5-73]
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53/69 Aboriginal Lands Questions
That the Standing Committee initiates such action as necessary to obtain a complete report on Aboriginal Lands Questions for consideration at the next session of this Synod.
[The Bishop of Armidale, 24-9-69]
56/69 Status of Aborigines
That this Synod recognises the threat to world peace arising from poverty and racism, and believing that the injustices arising from these are contrary to the will of God, is glad to be involvement as a member church in the Development Programme of the Australian Council of Churches, and asks every diocese to investigate the status, economic and social, of the Aborigines within its boundaries, and to take whatever action is possible to rectify such injustices as may be found.
[The Archbishop of Melbourne, 24-9-69]
38/62 Aboriginal Welfare
That the General Synod of the Church of England in Australia expresses its appreciation at the increased interest and assistance given by the Commonwealth Government and the State Governments to the Aborigines of Australia and urges the Governments not to relax in their efforts for the welfare of this under-privileged minority. In particular, the synod urges the Governments to increase substantially this financial aid to assist the Aborigine Missions in implementing the Government's declared policy of assimilation of the Aborigines of Australia. Copies of this motion to be forwarded to the appropriate Ministers of the Commonwealth and State Governments.
[The Right Reverend R.E. Davies, 17-5-62]
21/60 Torres Strait Islanders
That the General Synod of the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania, whilst appreciating the work done by the Department of Native Affairs, Queensland, feels that due consideration should be given to embodying in the Torres Strait Island Act similar provisions given to the Australian Aborigines under the various acts relevant thereto in the States of the Commonwealth.
[Mr B.A.M. Mottershead]
30/60 Tribal Lands of Aborigines
That this Synod, believing it to be morally and socially wrong that where there is a source of wealth in the tribal lands of the Aborigines reserved by the Crown for their use, rights over such sources of wealth should be granted to outside interests, before the Aborigines are given the opportunity of exploiting such wealth, condemns the practice and calls upon the Government to cease and desist from this practice of grant leases overall, or part of, Aboriginal reserves.
[The Bishop of Carpentaria]
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17/55 (Social Welfare)
a. That the Maternity Allowance be paid to women of pre-dominantly aboriginal blood.
b. That Social Service Benefits be paid to aboriginal people living on Reserves or Stations.
c. That increased grants be made to State Governments to assist the Aboriginal Welfare Board in NSW to finance work on Reserves, and to make for proper supervision of living conditions for aborigines.
[The Ven. H.A.D. Graham]
18/55 (Social Service Benefits)
That this General Synod supports the following Resolution of the Synod of the Diocese of Carpentaria and that a similar representation be sent to the Cabinet of the Federal Government of Australia through the Prime Minister.
Motion passed by the Synod of the Diocese of Carpentaria, August 1955,
"That this Synod requests Diocesan Council to mek direct representation to the Cabinet of the Federal Government of Australia through the Prime Minister that the polocy of the Government be altered to make provision for all people of Aboriginal extraction to receive identical Social Service benefits as the Torres Strait Islanders and other Australian citizens and that the Synod representations raise this matter at the forthcoming Provincial and General Synods" (The Rev. P. MacD. Smith)
That this Synod calls attention of the Federal Government to the injustice of its policy in not providing maternity allowances for aboriginal mothers who have more than 50 per cent aboriginal blood and urges upon it the necessity for a reversal of the policy so that the injustice may be remedied.
[Mr C.E. Smith]
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