Bridging Now to Next.
It was the theme for this year’s 2025 National Reconciliation Week celebrations, and it is also four words that can have powerful meaning, according to Newcastle Anglican Director of Reconciliation, Reverend Canon Aunty Di Langham.
Reconciliation, says Aunty Di, is about bringing us together as one.
And, while the annual event has passed, its message continues being used in on-going conversations within Newcastle Anglican as an organisation.
The lessons shared are of timeless relevance and, as Bishop Peter Stuart says, form part of our values at Newcastle Anglican.
Reconciliation and Justice
“Our Diocesan work of truth-telling and reconciliation is deepening,” says Bishop Peter.
“Under the leadership of the Reverend Canon Aunty Di Langham, we have seen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wisdom brought into the centre of our Diocese.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a living document. Storytelling and truth sharing continue to happen even when it is uncomfortable to hear.
“We are seeking to be reconciled to people, and to God, in and by truth.
“There is something life changing for all Australians when we recognise the oldest living culture is part of us and we are part of it.”
Welcome to Country
For Aunty Di, Country is not about ownership.
“Welcome to Country is not about welcoming people to Australia,” she says.
“It’s about acknowledging that the place where we are gathering is land that holds the remains of many First Nations’ family members.
“It means that we are standing on the ground where generations of our ancestors have walked.
“As a spiritual culture, it means paying respects to those that went before us and asking their blessing on our visit to this place.
“We are all Australians and therefore this history belongs to all of us. It means all of us belong to a nation that is at least 60,000 years old.”
Reconciliation Prayer
Aunty Di is passionate about ‘An Australia for all People’.
It is her prayer that our nation can find space for reconciliation.
“Bring us together as one.
“Reconciled with you and one another.
“Give us grace to travel together towards reconciliation.”
As an organisation that is values-based, Newcastle Anglican is continuing to work toward inclusion. Read more here: Our commitment to First Nations Peoples | Newcastle Anglican
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