Donate
By Darryl Budge
Australia Day is a day to remember in our history - the date of the First Fleet landing, in 1788.
Efforts to change the date arguably represent historical revisionism, which, rather than healing people, will produce merely a temporary change in external emotions.
Lasting change in individuals and across society comes from forgiveness and inner reconciliation, not outward platitudes.
This was reflected in public prayers of reconciliation made in 1988.
In that year there was a service in St Andrew’s Cathedral to mark the 200th anniversary of the gospel arriving on this continent.
The Primate of the Australian Anglican Church made this public statement… addressing Australia’s first Aboriginal Bishop, Arthur Malcolm of Yarrabah.
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In the Cathedral that day in 1988, our first Aboriginal Bishop, Bishop Arthur Malcolm then led in prayer.
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To accomplish healing of deep hurts, it seems proper to keep the Australia Day date and what it commemorates, as it maintains an honest view of history.
It may also be necessary for many to have another date to mourn, weep and lament.
In Australia the 26th of May is National Sorry Day, and there is a celebration of Aboriginal culture during NAIDOC week, the first full week in July each year.
This suggests there are already eight days of reflection on Aboriginal causes, when many rightly lament the real suffering upon their people.
It seems adequate to have one annual day in Australia that is a celebration of the positive contribution of Christian and western culture to our nation.