STOLEN GENERATIONS

A Statement by the Executive of the National Council of Churches

Australian governments of the past adopted laws which gave warrant to practices resulting in many Indigenous children being inappropriately and forcibly removed from their families.

It was a complex tragedy.  But the fundamental truth of the stories of the Stolen Generations, and their pain, cannot be denied.  As representatives of the churches, we call on our people, and the nation at large, to acknowledge the validity of the Bringing Them Home report and its recommendations.

The harm experienced by Indigenous people, and the healing that has been too long delayed, cry out for attention by governments, by others involved, by all Australians. 
Christians must try to understand what happened from the perspective of the Christian faith.  As church leaders, we commit ourselves to reflect theologically on the trauma experienced by the Stolen Generations and by the nation as a whole, and on our calling to be bearers of reconciliation.

In consultation with the Stolen Generations, we will

• help educate the churches on their involvement in the history of the Indigenous child removal,
• make church and agency records accessible,
• identify ways of supporting Indigenous groups working with removed people,  and
• address instances of alleged abuses, particularly in church-related institutions.

Many churches have offered apologies and taken steps towards reconciliation.  Reaffirming these initiatives, recognising the pain and trauma of the Stolen Generations, we advocate the establishment of a healing commission. The churches stand ready to participate in such a commission in whatever way may be appropriate.

Further, the churches support the establishment by the Council of Australian Governments of a national fund, as part of the healing process. We call on all Australian governments, whose predecessors legislated for laws which gave warrant to practices leading to the Stolen Generations, to contribute generously to the fund.  Because all Australians were represented by those governments, all Australians and all agencies – including church agencies – which cooperated with such practices are urged to contribute to the fund.

Our churches will continue to pray and work for the healing of the nation.

21 May 2001

The statement was adopted after consultation between national heads of churches and the NCCA’s Aboriginal and Islander Commission.  It appears on the eve of May 26 commemorations of the Journey of Healing.

Resources Available

'Continuing the Journey'

Report into the Churches' response to the Reconciliation process and the 'Bringing Them Home Report' produced by NATSIEC.

'Bringing them Home Report' - Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families

NOW AVAILABLE...Ministerial Council of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Evaluation of Responses to Bringing Them Home Report: Final Report, December 2003

Download the 'Bringing Them Home Guide' in pdf format

The community guide and full report are available on the internet through the Australasian Legal Information Institute.

The Bringing Them Home Report is available through the Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS), for $59.95.

Contact the AGPS to order:
GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601 
Ph: 132 447 / Fax: (02) 6295 4888 

'A Piece of the Story'- National Directory of Records of Catholic Organisations Caring for Children Separated from Families

'For the Record' - a Directory of Anglican Agencies that provided residential care to children from 1830 - 1980

Links to Further Information

Journey of Healing - www.journeyofhealing.com

Apology Australia - http://apology.west.net.au/

European Network for Indigenous Australian Rights -  www.eniar.org/stolen.html

Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission - www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/stolen_children/

Stolen Generations Bibliography - www.aiatsis.gov.au/lbry/fct_shts/lib_rsc3.htm 

Transcript of an ABC radio programme focusing on the issue - www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/bbing/stories/s148775.htm

Koorie Heritage Trust - www.abc.net.au/missionvoices/stolen_generations/default.htm

Kimberley Stolen Generation - www.kimberleystolengeneration.com.au/

Racism No Way - www.racismnoway.com.au/classroom/factsheets/52.html