The issue of the “Sorry” speech and all the associated events has certainly been given much media attention, It is interesting that a Channel 7 poll to which over 13,000 responded, 90% said they disagreed with the apology. What should our attitude be as Christians to such matters? As a Christian, I am always very wary of getting on to media driven bandwagons, because in my experience the media rarely get the facts right.
It seems that this is also the case with the so called “Stolen Generations”. Prof Windschuttle researched some 800 files of aboriginal children removed from their parents in NSW, and found that the reasons for removing these children were very strong – such as children living with an alcoholic mother who was neglecting them, children who were suffering on going sexual abuse etc. Only one file had the reason for removal as being that the child was aboriginal. Andrew Bolt a media commentator has repeatedly challenged those promoting the notion of the stolen generations to bring 10 documented cases of children being removed simply for being aboriginal to the media. No one has done so. To reject the propaganda about the “Stolen Generations” is not to say that white Australians always treated aboriginals well. Far from it. White Australians in very real and grievous ways, have sinned against Aboriginals probably more so than aboriginals have sinned against white people.
But if we want genuine reconciliation, then there must be a mutual asking for, and extending of forgiveness for ALL past wrongs. Surely this is what our Lord taught us in the Lord‟s Prayer and Mat 6:14. Without mutual forgiveness, there can be no healthy “moving on”. Jesus Christ the great forgiver, makes it possible for us to forgive. Saying Sorry to a largely fictitious stolen generations only clouds the issues, and perpetuates keeping the aboriginal community locked into a victim mentality. It is interesting that Noel Pearson, an aboriginal leader, was not supportive of the sorry day for these very reasons. While the intentions of many were very honourable in organising the sorry day, I believe that our nation missed a great opportunity. A mutual forgiveness ceremony, as had been advocated by some aboriginal Christians would have brought far more healing, and it probably would have received wider support in the general community.
Pastor Peter
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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