Reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples : Some practical suggestions for churches

'Reconciliation' is a word burdened by many conflicting meanings and implications. One of the last conversations I had with my father before his recent unexpected death was around what reconciliation might mean for us as Aboriginal people who have lived and continue to live in challenging times. My dad spoke about the danger and shame that previous generations had about their Aboriginality and the cost it had on families. He spoke about how the Church was both explicitly involved and complicit in the colonial project. It was funny to hear my dear old dad at age 75 peppering his talk with phrases and words I use in lectures! Dad and I spoke at length, an unplanned but now treasured conversation just days before he was to pass away.