CouncilCorrespondence201811Firstpeoples

Link to CouncilAgenda20181128 > CouncilMinutes20181128 > AcknowledgementOfFirstPeoples

Correspondence on recognition of First Peoples

Following on from the Church Council report in the November Monthly bulletin regarding the considerations underway about Acknowledgement of First Peoples, I would like to submit the following thoughts for consideration.

Based on my 44 years of working and being exposed to an Acknowledgement of First Peoples by many organisations, and from listening to Synod and Assembly actions this year, I would submit that there is a real risk that if we expect or direct all groups in the congregation to make this acknowledgement every time they meet, it will become automated, mechanical and not genuinely meant.   And that its disrespectful and dishonest. 
This is what has occurred in other places I have been involved, and if you watch and listen to Synod and Assembly recordings what I believe began to happen in those meetings.  A mechanical inclusion.

"It is not how often you say something that makes it right, it is how you live it and reflect it in your actions.” (WG)

I would like to propose the following 5 actions:-

First - that we have a plaque created that reflects this belief and this statement and that it be mounted prominently but equally on the same wall that we have our own Foundation Stone/s (South foyer wall), where we have our Gift Book and our own Book of GWUC history - yes we have one for those that have never looked.  By placing it on the same wall location as our own histories and our own statements of faith, we are acknowledging that it is of equal value to this our place of worship.  It is neither more, or less important than our own histories and our own beliefs.
Second - that we insert the sentiment and wording in a permanent area on the front page of our Web Page, for all to see and read, beside our own Christian beliefs, our vision and our own Welcome to GWUC. This will reflect the equality and inclusive nature of our community and our beliefs.  It could be as a part of your own Vision or in an area of equal importance.
Thirdly - that whenever we hold a public event or activity on our site (Fete/Easter Event), that this statement appear on any documentation that is distributed to the public on our leaflets. This will show the wider community of our commitment to this acknowledgement.
Fourth - that the statement and acknowledgement is read at every Congregational Meeting.  As that is the gathering of our own authority, history and knowledge.  That is where our “elders” sit and discuss our future and our past.  In this case I chose the word elder to reflect the wider and greater body of knowledge and history of GWUC, not the "Elders Council" who are a transient and changing group of persons. 
Finally, at our next available Anniversary Sunday we do the following:-
We perform an Acknowledgement of First Peoples service and invite representatives of the local indigenous community to attend. (And maybe the Mayor and Moderator) Lets make it a day of celebration.
We dedicate and unveil the plaque (by a local elder).
We launch the new web page.
We welcome and pray for all indigenous communities.


I submit these thoughts for consideration with other conversations.

Thank you
Warren Greenwood