GERSHON NIMBALKER, national director of Australian-based Christian justice advocacy organisation Common Grace, explains why the organisation is calling for a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament…
Sydney, Australia
As we start the official countdown to the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum on Saturday, 14th October, I feel the urgency behind this pivotal moment we are facing as a nation.
I have had the privilege of being led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian leaders in my role as national director for Common Grace – a diverse movement of more than 50,000 Christians dedicated to pursuing justice across these lands.
Gershon Nimbalker, national director of Common Grace, and Bianca Manning, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice coordinator at Common Grace, at a Brisbane ‘Listen to the Heart’ training event in April. PICTURE: Courtesy of Common Grace
By deeply listening to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian leaders, Common Grace is calling for a ‘Yes’ vote on a referendum for a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament and a sustained Yes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice.
As Christians, we approach the referendum like any other big decisions in life – by looking to the example of Jesus. The Bible doesn’t tell us how we must vote, but in the teachings of Jesus, we find a set of principles and virtues that shape the way his followers engage with the world.
As Christians, we approach the referendum like any other big decisions in life – by looking to the example of Jesus. The Bible doesn’t tell us how we must vote, but in the teachings of Jesus, we find a set of principles and virtues that shape the way his followers engage with the world.
Principles like the primacy of love (Mark 12:28) the importance of pursuing justice, mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23), and the call to serve all those in need (Matthew 25:31). We hear as well that Jesus’ purpose was to see all people flourish – to experience the ‘fullness of life’ (John 10:10).
Amongst most theologians and Christians, these ideas are (gratefully) uncontroversial. This means when it comes to the referendum, our task is to discern how these principles shape our vote.
Wuthathi and Mabuiag Island woman and Aboriginal Christian leader, Safina Stewart, encourages Christians to be prepared before the referendum.
Safina says, “When you get to the ballot box that day, I want you to have been informed, taken your prayer and discernment journey seriously, and considered what long-term impact your vote will have on the generations of Indigenous people and children to come. Will the result of the referendum give life-giving opportunities for us to continue a journey of right-relationship?”
In my conversations with our Aboriginal Christian leaders I’ve heard the deep and resounding call for justice, the need for healing, and the earnest desire to see their families and their children flourish.
As I reflect upon our history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and what is being asked of us now, I’m struck by the overwhelming generosity and grace we are being extended. In the Uluru Statement from the Heart, we are being given a pathway towards reconciliation and renewed relationship.
And all it requires of us, as a first step, is to commit our parliament to listening. It’s a modest ask with such huge repercussions. How can we refuse it?
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This is our moment to walk alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters, as Gomeroi woman and Common Grace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice coordinator, Bianca Manning, invites us to join her.
Bianca says, “As Aboriginal people we can’t escape the path of seeking justice; our lives, families and communities depend on it. We invite you to join us on this challenging but beautiful journey of pursuing justice and God’s goodness, walking with us, listening deeply, and speaking out in your communities.”
We have a once in a generation opportunity to accept this invitation on Saturday, 14th October, by writing ‘Yes’ for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament
Enshrining a Voice in our constitution will lead to better policies and outcomes for First Nations people and their communities. It is supported by more than 80 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Such mechanisms already exist for Indigenous people in countries including Canada and New Zealand. Like New Zealand embraces the Maori culture, we have the opportunity to shape a nation that values and celebrates our connectedness and relationship to the oldest continuous cultures in the world.
I am convinced that writing Yes is an act of lovingly pursuing a better Australia. Writing Yes will set us on the path to reconciliation and move us towards an Australia that more fully reflects God’s desire for everyone to experience the goodness he intends. A nation where, as the Uluru Statement reminds us, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can take a rightful place – a place where their children can flourish and their cultures can be a blessing to us all.
Gershon Nimbalker is the national director of Common Grace. Explore Common Grace’s Listen to the Heart campaign calling for Voice and Justice at www.listentotheheart.org.au.
