Joint Faith Leaders’ Statement: Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry
News
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures have endured much, and many faith-based organisations are historically complicit in this suffering, including in the way Churches have collaborated with the State. In signing this statement, we especially advocate for the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queensland elders to be meaningfully heard, and for their stories to be recorded and recognised,” say 13 senior Queensland faith leaders
We, the undersigned representatives of various Churches and Muslim communities across Queensland, express our profound concern about the Queensland Government’s intention to abolish the recently established Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry.
This independent inquiry is a vital public platform for listening to and recording stories; collating evidence to shine a light on our past; educating and fostering understanding about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories; and, making informed recommendations.
Before abolishing this independent Inquiry, we believe the new State Government needs to first clarify to all Queenslanders:
- What it will implement in its place to achieve the above important outcomes within the same timelines, noting the advanced age and physical frailty of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inquiry contributors?
- How all Queenslanders will be able to heal and move forward together — with dignity and respect — and understand our shared history in all its challenges and richness?
As people of a faith that is grounded in a story, we believe that an understanding of Queensland’s shared story is essential for us to be a cohesive, respectful, and inclusive State.
Truth-telling and listening are at the heart of a healed, reconciled community.
In the midst of the tragic impacts of displacement, dispossession, the forcible removal of children and policies of assimilation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, there are also stories of appreciation, reconciliation and triumph in adversity. All these stories need to continue to be heard.
We honour both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and non-Indigenous Queenslanders who have bravely and sincerely shared their experiences in the Inquiry so far.
We support both the government’s announcement that it will address education and home ownership, as well as the work of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry — these can easily happen side by side. Listening to the truth in a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate way as a path to a healthier and more cohesive Queensland and delivering practical solutions in other critical areas are not mutually exclusive.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures have endured much, and many faith-based organisations are historically complicit in this suffering, including in the way Churches have collaborated with the State. In signing this statement, we especially advocate for the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queensland elders to be meaningfully heard, and for their stories to be recorded and recognised.
We believe that Queensland remains ready to hear the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and that in the sharing of their stories that a more compassionate and resilient Queensland will emerge.
The path to reconciliation is long, requiring sustained effort and commitment from all sectors of society, including the government.
We stand ready to assist the government in any way we can to keep on the path to reconciliation.
Together, we can work towards a future where the truth is heard and acknowledged, and a path to justice and reconciliation is proudly paved for all Queenslanders.
Anglican Church Southern Queensland
Archbishop Jeremy Greaves
Bishop Cameron Venables
Anglican Diocese of North Queensland
Bishop Keith Joseph
Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane
Archbishop Mark Coleridge,
Bishop Tim Norton
Catholic Diocese of Cairns
Bishop Jo Caddy AM
Catholic Diocese of Townsville
Bishop Tim Harris
Council of Imams Queensland
Imam Akram Baksh
Queensland Muslim Inc
Habib Jamal
Lutheran District of Queensland
Bishop Mark Vainikka
Salvation Army, Queensland Division
Major Mark Everitt
Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod
The Rev’d Bruce Moore, Moderator
Greek Orthodox Diocese of Brisbane
Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane
