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