As Christian communities around Tasmania, the Uniting Church is committed to reconciliation and renewal – of the whole creation, of our relationships with palawa, the First Peoples of Tasmania, and in particular our growing relationship with Leprena, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in Tasmania.
National Sorry Day is held on 26 May each year – the day before National Reconciliation Week. It is a day to acknowledge and recognise members of the Stolen Generations. The theme this year is “For the mothers and children”. Sorry Day Reflection, Uniting Church Assembly President Dr Deidre Palmer
The Preamble to the Constitution of the Uniting Church states that “As the Church believes God guided it into union so it believes that God is calling it to continually seek a renewal of its life as a community of First Peoples and of Second Peoples from many lands”. Assembly Circle of Interest Walking Together as First and Second Peoples Circle
Following Christ, walking together as First and Second Peoples
seeking community, compassion and justice for all creation.
Foundational to the Uniting Church is our commitment to being a “fellowship of reconciliation” that reflects the reconciling and renewing work of Christ in the world (Paragraph 3 Basis of Union). Uniting Church Assembly President Dr Deidre Palmer
Ayla and Grace Williams at Tranquil Point, Tasmania
Observed annually on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.