More Than A Word

The 2021 theme for Reconciliation Australia of More Than A Word, Reconciliation Takes Action, encourages all of us to reflect and then act on ways in which we can enhance relationships between the broader Australian Community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One of the actions highlighted on their website at https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/ is to take a stand against racism.  It is easy for all of us to have unconscious biases and attitudes.  One of our core values is that Pacific is a place where all people can feel safe and equally valued.  For this to be a lived value we need to develop an understanding, respect and appreciation for the richness that is brought into our community and lives through the diversity of our community and our indigenous culture.  Through listening carefully to each other and to nature, understanding and connection grows.  A wonderful reflection about this is presented by Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann DADIRRI (Official Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Video)

God sees all of humanity as equally loved parts of his creation.  In the New Testament there is a strong statement that all of humanity has been reconciled to God and each other through Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Our challenge is to have this equality of love and capacity to listen, flow through us and around us.