She was a beautiful person, Sister Mary Florence. Back in the day, Sister knocked on my door introducing herself as a member of the Catholic Parish to which we both belonged.
It was the start of a wonderful faith-filled journey. Her wisdom came to mind this weekend as I attended the Anti-Racism workshop at BUC.
‘Children don’t learn about God and Jesus in Religion Education class. They learn it in every class they attend; in all the outdoor activities they join; at the dining table and in the books that are available for them to read.’
Sister Florence didn’t say that RE wasn’t important: She was saying that the whole of the self becomes aware of God through the whole of life’s experience.
I am a member of the First Nations Focus at BUC. I look at BUC through those eyes. I see that the learning and deeper understanding of First Nations history and wisdom and stories is a whole of church experience.
I see:
- BUC folk learning and unlearning the history of Australia and the effect of colonisation through the Anti-Racism workshops held recently. A beautiful initiative from the Justice and Mission people.
- Book club members who delve more deeply into personal First Nations history through the books they read and discuss.
- The Music Group bringing forward First Nations music at significant dates in our year.
- Our Sunday Worship acknowledging First Nations every Sunday:And teaching us all of the seasons of the year, according to Aboriginal knowledge.
- Art folk promoting and attending the Hermannsburg Exhibition.
- Climate action group with strong references to First Nations wisdom.
I am sure there are many other groups and activities at BUC where our faith-seeking folk are placing First Nations wisdom and history into the mix.
And so I paraphrase Sister Florence and say; ‘We at Brunswick Uniting don’t need to learn about First Nations from a First Nations class – although this is important and helpful; we learn it in our activities, our songs, our worship and our morning tea conversations.
In a time of reflection following the failed Referendum last year, I reflect on our Church and am thankful for the strength it gives me.
Claire Foley
A member of First Nations Focus writing a personal reflection
April 2024
Leave A Comment