We’ve just concluded a historic and sold-out 4-day journey at the “Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution” conference, hosted by The School of Indigenous Studies at the University Of Divinity.
Held on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, this event brought Indigenous Church leaders and theologians together on a national platform. Over four days, we delved into the Indigenous theological perspective of spirituality, colonisation, justice, repatriation, Country, and ecology.
The spotlight was on a First Nations theological perspective on Australia’s colonial oppression, with a critical examination of the role of the Australian Churches. Indigenous voices from Australia, Aotearoa, and the Pacific reviewed concepts of truth, reparations, treaty, justice, and reconciliation.
Key Highlights
- Four days filled with deep discussions, meaningful connections, and powerful reflections. In a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment, a collective hope for a future built on justice, truth, and reconciliation was built.
- An added bonus! All in person attendees will be provided access to the keynote and panellist sessions recordings for 1-month post-conference.
- Luminaries like Professor Dr Anne Pattel-Gray, Professor Stan Grant, Rev Canon Dr Garry Deverell, The Venerable Dr Lyndon Drake, and others blended intellectual and spiritual exploration with a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture. Their emphasis on faith as a catalyst for reclaiming Indigenous voices resonated, urging churches to address historical injustices and inequalities.
- The conference not only deepened our understanding of First Nations’ spirituality but also sparked individual and organisational transformations.
- Delegates actively contributed through daily discussion groups.
- On the final day, churches responded to Indigenous theologians, where leaders pledged their support to walk together in rectifying historical injustices – symbolising a commitment towards a future to foster spiritual inclusion where it was once denied.
- Together, conference delegates pledged to support the School of Indigenous Studies to support the development and delivery of Indigenous theological tertiary education in Australia, cementing the importance for Australian Churches and the Christian community to take a stand, support Indigenous people, and transform the nation.
A heartfelt thank you to every delegate, donor, speaker, and panelist for your support and contribution to this ground-breaking inaugural Conference. Special thanks to our conference sponsors for making this event possible.
Red Ochre Sponsor: Wandiligong Indigenous Ministry Fund (WIMF)
Yellow Ochre Sponsor: The Family of Dr. Bruce Malcolm Schramm
White Ochre Sponsors: The Salvation Army, Uniting Church in Australia, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC), National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), and Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA).
The School’s mission is to encourage the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theologies and ministries, and to decolonise the eurocentric versions of Christianity that remain dominant in this country.
Kerrie Burn
University of Divinity
Pilgrim Theological College
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