Standing with the First and Last Peoples of our Land

This year, many Australians have been deeply sorrowed by the Australian Parliament’s treatment of the First and Last Peoples of our land.

UN Photo/Albert González Farran

The Stronger Futures Legislation has led to feelings of hopelessness among Indigenous peoples, who see it as entrenching many of the discriminatory policies of the previous Intervention. Churches, individuals and community groups have also expressed their strong concerns about this legislation.

At the same time, the needs and rights of asylum seekers are being undermined by both sides of politics who are promoting policies which, we believe, will undermine the human rights of desperate people needing protection.
Many of you have participated in conversations and prayer groups, and have written to politicians to express your concerns. In response, we are inviting you to participate in a prayer vigil during the week-end of Humanitarian Sunday (18 -19 August). This is a critical time as Parliament meets again to consider these issues.

You are invited to set aside half an hour during this week-end to keep vigil with the First and Last Peoples of this land.

You could use the prayer provided, or one of your own choice. You could pray alone or in a group. You could join with us in prayer by posting your reflection or prayer online in the Prayer Space on the Mary MacKillop website.

Humanitarian Sunday is an opportunity for all of us to engage in a communal prayer that will give hope to those who have been pushed to the edge of society at this time.