1 June 2006
POPE URGES GOVERNMENT TO SEEK FORGIVENESS FROM ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS
At a meeting with Anne Maree Plunkett the newly appointed Australian ambassador to the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI urged
the Australian Government to seek forgiveness from Indigenous Australians and address the "deep underlying causes" of their plight.
“Commitment to truth opens the way to lasting reconciliation through the healing process of asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness - two indispensable elements for peace" the pope said.
Although the Australian Catholic Bishops issued an apology to Aboriginal people on National Sorry day in 1998, and individual states have issued their own apology, the Prime Minister has consistently refused to issue an apology on behalf of the nation.
Recent reports again highlighting the problems of violence, abuse and dysfunction within aboriginal communities have led to considerable comment in the media – often uninformed.
For a more informed comment from a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and organizations, visit the ANTaR website.
the Australian Government to seek forgiveness from Indigenous Australians and address the "deep underlying causes" of their plight.
“Commitment to truth opens the way to lasting reconciliation through the healing process of asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness - two indispensable elements for peace" the pope said.
Although the Australian Catholic Bishops issued an apology to Aboriginal people on National Sorry day in 1998, and individual states have issued their own apology, the Prime Minister has consistently refused to issue an apology on behalf of the nation.
Recent reports again highlighting the problems of violence, abuse and dysfunction within aboriginal communities have led to considerable comment in the media – often uninformed.
For a more informed comment from a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and organizations, visit the ANTaR website.
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