The National Administrator of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (the indigenous arm of the Uniting Church) today appealed to all Australians of goodwill to continue the process of reconciliation.

The Rev. Shayne Blackman expressed bitter disappointment at the way in which the Prime Minister and Senator Herron had re-opened the wounds of the stolen generations — and of all Aboriginal people — for the sake of political advantage.

But he said, "We have moved a long way towards understanding and reconciliation between our peoples over the past ten years. Let us not abandon the journey or be daunted because a few people in high positions betray their leadership obligations."

He said, "They will not be there forever. Let those of us who have caught a vision of reconciliation press on and leave them behind."

Mr Blackman said there had been much progress in the past decade. "The High Court decisions in the Mabo and Wik cases have burst the myth of terra nullius. There has been widespread discussion and a new awareness of the issues that separate us.

"The Bringing Them Home report has opened the eyes of millions of people to aspects of our shared history that have been largely hidden until now. The disadvantage suffered by indigenous people has been exposed by numerous reports."

He said that new awareness had given rise to many actions for social change: action in support of native title, the signing of Sorry Books by perhaps a million people, the formation of local reconciliation groups all over the country, and the development of employment programs for indigenous people by some industries and businesses.

"In addition," he said, "through all of these activities many indigenous and non-indigenous people have gotten to know one another personally and to an extent that we could not have expected two decades ago."

Mr Blackman said that only waste and despair would follow the abandonment of that journey.

He appealed for people not to lose heart because of the action — or inaction —of the nation’s political leaders. He asked people to continue to work for a more understanding, respectful and united nation that cared about all its people.

The Rev. Shayne Blackman will be participating in the Walk Across the Harbour Bridge on Sunday, May 28. He can be contacted on 04187 84463.

The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress office in Queensland is at 07 4773 5077.