“Anglican Bishop of Bunbury extends heartfelt apology to Noongar community for historical grievances”

Anglican Bishop of Bunbury apologises to Noongar people for ‘past pain and suffering’

In a significant step towards reconciliation, the Anglican Bishop of Bunbury, Ian Coutts, has offered a heartfelt apology to local Noongar people in Western Australia for the church’s role in perpetuating past pain and suffering. The Bishop acknowledged the church’s failure to challenge unjust government policies towards Aboriginal people and recognised the Anglicans’ likely participation in the massacres at Pinjarra in 1834 and Minninup in 1841.

Acknowledging Historical Grievances

Bishop Coutts, speaking to a gathering that included Indigenous elders and representatives of local churches, expressed remorse over the church’s failure to speak out against the Stolen Generations and its participation in violent acts against the Aboriginal community. He acknowledged that the church’s actions were not in line with its Christian teachings and offered an apology on behalf of the diocese.

The Bishop’s recognition of the massacres at Pinjarra and Minninup is a significant step towards confronting the bitter history of violence in the South West. It is a testament to the courage and commitment of the Anglican Diocese of Bunbury to acknowledge the pain and suffering endured by the Noongar people.

Pastor Dennis Jetta’s Response

Pastor Dennis Jetta, a Noongar elder and long-time advocate for the Indigenous community, expressed gratitude for the Bishop’s apology. He called on the community to embrace the process of reconciliation and urged mainstream Australia to acknowledge and confront the wrongdoings of the past. Pastor Jetta, who received an Order of Australia medal this year, highlighted the importance of claiming the true history of Australia, warts and all.

The Path to Reconciliation and the Indigenous Voice

Bishop Coutts emphasised that the apology and the subsequent steps towards reconciliation were not coincidental but were planned before the government set the date for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum. He acknowledged that the outcome of the referendum would profoundly impact the path to reconciliation.

As the referendum approaches, Pastor Jetta expressed hope for the success of the Indigenous Voice but noted that certain issues still need to be addressed. His words reflect the significance of acknowledging historical grievances and ensuring that the Indigenous Voice is given the importance it deserves.

Editorial: A Step Towards Healing

The Anglican Bishop of Bunbury‘s apology to the Noongar people in Western Australia is a crucial step towards healing the wounds of the past. It demonstrates a sincere commitment to reconciliation and a willingness to confront the church’s dark history. This acknowledgement of historical grievances holds great significance for both the Noongar community and the wider Australian society.

Apologies alone are not sufficient for genuine reconciliation; action must follow. It is essential for the Anglican Diocese of Bunbury to continue engaging with Indigenous communities and working towards concrete measures that address past injustices and promote healing. It is encouraging to see that the apology was made in consultation with Noongar elders, indicating a collaborative and respectful approach.

The process of reconciliation requires all Australians to reflect on our shared history and acknowledge the pain and suffering experienced by the First Nations people. It is a collective responsibility to learn from the past and work towards a more just and inclusive future.

Moving Forward

The Anglican Diocese of Bunbury‘s apology serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in acknowledging and addressing historical grievances. It is crucial for other institutions, both religious and secular, to follow suit and address their own roles in perpetuating past injustices.

Reconciliation cannot be achieved overnight; it requires long-term commitment, genuine efforts to understand different perspectives, and meaningful actions that address the structural inequalities faced by Indigenous communities. By listening to Indigenous voices, supporting initiatives for cultural preservation and economic empowerment, and advocating for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, we can make significant progress towards reconciliation.

A Call for Truth and Reckoning

As Pastor Dennis Jetta rightly points out, it is essential for mainstream Australia to confront the true history of the nation, “warts and all.” This requires acknowledging the painful chapters of Australia’s past, including the widespread violence, dispossession, and discrimination against Indigenous peoples.

By reckoning with our history and owning the wrongdoings of the past, we create a foundation for genuine reconciliation. It is through this process that we can build a more just and inclusive society for all Australians.

The upcoming Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum presents an opportunity for substantive change. It is imperative that all Australians educate themselves about the referendum and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.

The Anglican Diocese of Bunbury‘s apology is a reminder that reconciliation requires action, empathy, and a commitment to the pursuit of justice. Let us use this moment as a catalyst for change and work towards the healing of past wounds.