Bill Rusin, Interim Principal
National Reconciliation Week is recognised annually from 27 May to 3 June. It is a significant time for reflection, healing, and action. As Christians, we are called to do more than recognise the need for reconciliation; we are called to be peacemakers and reconcilers, following the example of Christ, who reconciles all humanity to God.
In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul writes:
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18
This is not a “nice if you can” suggestion, but an imperative for God’s people.
Historically, Reconciliation Week has roots in the Christian church in Australia, beginning as a Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993. Today, many Christian communities across Australia continue to engage in prayer, advocacy, and practical steps toward justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
While our call to be reconciled to one another is much larger than the relationship between First Nations people and those who came later, it is nevertheless good to be reminded of the need to be reconciled with our First Nations brothers and sisters. For our school in Kurrajong, we acknowledge that we are on traditional Dharug land.
Kuyper has a number of values shaped by biblical truths that speak into this space:
Freedom
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”
Galatians 5:13
Fair Go
Being fair, just, merciful, loving, considerate, and other person-centred, acting with equity, and giving opportunity and access.
(Based on various texts from Proverbs 2, Leviticus 19 and Hosea 12)
Being Caring and Compassionate
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3
During Reconciliation Week, we remind ourselves and the children we teach that these biblical truths extend to all people. At this particular time, we seek to show respect, generosity, justice, and mercy to the Dharug nation, who cared for the beautiful land on which our school is built.