"With resolve, we commit ourselves to reconciliation so that all may share with equity and justice, and live peacefully, in this land that is Australia." This was declared by over twenty NSW church leaders during an ecumenical Liturgy of Repentance, Solidarity and Commitment in St Mary’s Cathedral in December 1997, arranged by the NSW Ecumenical Council.

Since arranging that Liturgy, the NSW Ecumenical Council has published a kit, "Walking with Indigenous Australians" in 1998 and held a Forum to reflect on the Draft Document for Reconciliation in 1999. Currently the Council is circulating a survey amongst the churches seeking information about the kinds of action towards reconciliation being undertaken around the state. The Council is also arranging a Seminar, "Reconciliation: The Next Steps?" on 24 June in Strathfield.

The resolve of the Heads of Churches in NSW, declared in December 1997, was shared by many members of the Christian denominations throughout our State. However, recently the process of reconciliation seems almost to have stalled.

"Corroboree 2000 on 27^th May should provide an impetus for a new start, but how can we ensure that it is translated into steady progress?" asked the Revd Dr Ray Williamson, General Secretary of the Ecumenical Council.

Dr Williamson said, "Australia will still have to make a determined effort to create the conditions that make possible an improvement in the health of indigenous people, a reduction in their appallingly high rate of unemployment and the necessary improvements in education as well as in housing and infrastructure in many indigenous communities."

"Even more important, the loss of self-respect and ability to determine their own lifestyle, suffered by many indigenous people, must be countered. If real progress is to be made, a change in attitudes in the white community as a whole is necessary. Christians must lead in this attitudinal change, as reconciliation is at the heart of the Christian gospel."

Many people are asking, "Well, where do we go from here? What can the ordinary person in the pew do? What actions should local congregations be planning?"

On Saturday, 24^th June, the NSW Ecumenical Council is holding a one-day seminar to help find answers to these questions. It will be held at Meriden School in Strathfield. After keynote addresses by Maisie Cavanagh (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry) and the Revd Dr John Brown (Uniting Church), Peter Sabatino (a Torres Strait Islander from the National Council of Churches in Australia Aboriginal and Islander Commission) will bring participants up to date on the ‘state of play’ in the reconciliation movement.

Sister Aileen Crowe will report on the results of a survey on what has been done in parishes around the State. This will introduce a discussion on possibilities for practical action and the appropriate next steps for parishes at varying stages on the reconciliation journey.

For further information and bookings for the seminar, "Reconciliation –

The Next Steps", phone Jenny Johnston on 9299 2215 or e-mail:

jjohnston@ncca.org.au.