A good reconciliation yarn
A book of reflections by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic women was launched during National Reconciliation Week.
Co-created by Kelly Humphrey, Dr Lisa Buxton and Lana Turvey-Collins HOPE: Unfinished Business combines the voices and lived experiences of First Nations women, reflecting on the meaning of hope, healing, faith and renewal.
The launch at the Reconciliation Church in Sydney embodied the spirit of community that is at the heart of the publication. Participants were invited to a conversation about hope, justice, reconciliation and belonging.
Inspired by the recent Jubilee Year of Hope, HOPE: Unfinished Business explores themes of identity, resilience, intergenerational trauma and the enduring strength found within community. Through storytelling, prayer, art and personal reflection, the book offers an honest exploration of hope in the face of struggle and uncertainty.
The authors invited guests into the yarning circle, so they became part of the stories of hope, carrying with them reflections on healing and the unfinished journey towards reconciliation.
Kelly Humphrey, ACU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), a Gomeroi woman and co-author of the book, said that for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics, the Jubilee Year offered an opportunity to reflect on “the healing power of hope, and the role faith has played in our deep desire for change and reconciliation.”
Developed by the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at Australian Catholic University in partnership with Catholic Mission, formation.org.au and the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the book contributes to the ongoing process of reconciliation and mission within the Church in Australia.
The book is available at https://secure.stpauls.com.au/strathfield/hope-unfinished-business.html
Feature image: Five authors from the collective at the community launch were (left to right) Kelly Humphrey, Doreen Flanders, Karina Andriske, Karen Andriske and Dr Lisa Buxton.
Information supplied by Catholic Mission media@catholicmission.org.au
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