“As I looked out beneath the palm trees on a sandy Egyptian beach towards the calm, clear waters of the Red Sea recently, I thought of my stunning island home…Because my people’s spirituality lies in the sea, sky and land – which are all part of God’s good creation – we have an intrinsic connection to them,” says Aunty Dr Rose Elu
“God calls us to respect one another. This, in part at least, involves respecting people’s territories, traditions and protocols; seeking counsel and consent; and, caring for one another. Respect is also about being welcoming and inclusive. When respect is fostered, harmony presides. When respect is denied, harm is caused,” says Aunty Dr Rose Elu in her Lambeth Conference Anglican Indigenous Network address
On 1 July annually, Torres Strait Islanders celebrate the anniversary of “The Coming of The Light” when the London Missionary Society and Melanesian leaders landed on Erub in 1871, introducing the Bible to the people who lived there. Hear Saibai Elder Aunty Dr Rose Elu share the Buiyaw Thoethupoegay (The Coming of The Light prayer) in Kalaw Kawaw Ya in this special video
“The landmark Mabo case has become an icon of rightness and fairness, particularly demonstrated in this oft-quoted line from the classic 1997 film The Castle: “In summing up, it’s the Constitution, it’s Mabo, it’s justice, it’s law, it’s the vibe’,” says Saibai Elder Aunty Dr Rose Elu, as National Reconciliation Week continues
“I was not the best with sailing growing up, especially given that I am from the sea. I suffered terrible seasickness as a child. Whenever we sailed, I would always stay on deck, close to my father so I felt safe… As we sat around my father while he steered the rudder, he told us that, ‘The rainbow is God’s creation and God made this world in beautiful colours, including his people.’ He then told us not to be judgmental and to always respect, honour and listen to one another. He said that loving others is always the most important thing,” said Aunty Dr Rose Elu during her Mothering Sunday sermon at St John’s East Malvern
Being attentive to the voice of God in our wilderness
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