Since our last pathways went on line, Australia has witnessed a 'kairos' moment: a moment of gift and transformation, where the presence of God breaks in and is experienced at depths that surprise and are undeniable.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008, will remain in our minds as a moment of truth.
It is only the first step, and requires action at many levels to bring words into deeds.
Nonetheless, saying the "sorry" word marked a watershed as we officially recognised that laws enacted by past governments destroyed lives and did not serve the common good: that as a nation we condoned the devastation of families through blindness to the humanity of our brothers and sisters. To go forward, we needed to admit that was wrong, and recognise its impact on generations of families.
It is worth reflecting on the importance of symbol on that day:
the indigenous welcome to people arriving;
the prime minister's welcome to indigenous guests arriving;
the placing of this event at the very beginning of the parliamentary sitting;
the House filled with row upon row of faces on which was writ large the suffering of so many;
the approach which made room for bi-partisan collaboration rather than pointless bickering.
Our church treasures the symbolic and the sacramental: the everyday words, objects, events which carry messages and meaning that can take us well beyond the parameters of our ordinary life. This event was sacramental. It opened us up to the transforming power encompassed in taking responsibility for wrong-doing, saying sorry, and having that apology accepted by the wounded other.
Easter celebrates this reality also.
Again, through Lent we are called to recognise our need for healing and forgiveness, to recognise how our lack of compassion can continue to crucify the powerless, the ones who raise uncomfortable questions, the ones who challenge us to recognise the prejudice and self-righteousness that lurk in our hearts.
The Crucified One shows us that there is power beyond military or religious might and righteousness, a power shown on February 13 in the experience of the grace that generous forgiveness brings to all involved in the saying and accepting of "sorry".
Easter celebrates the Light that breaks through our shrouds of blindness and promises Life.
Do we dare believe and commit to live in that Light?
Each of us can find ways to support the concerned groups suggesting ways to move words towards actions.
The Leaders' Assembly in early July will focus on "Our Australian multi-cultural church: reality, gift and challenge."
It will be useful if congregations and members with experience of the gift and challenge of dealing with our current reality pass on to us any stories which capture a little of this complex reality: we want this meeting to be grounded in life experience, and we know the stories are out there.
What has it been like to come and minister in the Australian context, when our cultural roots are elsewhere?
What are our experiences of trying to work pastorally with groups from other cultures?
What have been some approaches which have worked to make newcomers feel at home?
Has anyone found a way to induct newcomers into alternative ways of handling authority, of devotional practice, or relationships within the parish?
Those congregations with a long tradition of cross-cultural communities possess insights that could assist the broader church, so please share stories and wisdom with your leaders!
Christine Burke IBVM
Acting President
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