Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance. Luke 3:8
Repentance is a foundational element to Christian life. It flows from a realisation that an action, decision or attitude is wrong and real change is urgently needed. Such a realisation is often confronting and deeply uncomfortable. The change that follows stems from a realisation that one must take responsibility for that which is wrong and with courage address it.
Australians need to face up to some communal honesty. In recent weeks we have heard of a number of women murdered by their partners, or someone they know. This is in addition to other forms of violence perpetrated against women.
The media reports other stories of violence and assault and so we all feel unsettled by this narrative.
We are also hearing the testimony of Jewish people as they describe living with fear and anxiety in Australia. The Bondi massacre escalated their vulnerability and the ways they are being blamed for the actions and decisions of others far, far away from Australia. The Jewish community is an important and valuable part of us.
Discrimination by race, gender, disability, age, or any other label is not acceptable. The actions of the perpetrators of violence must not be minimised, excused or in some way justified. There is no rationale that justifies gender based violence or racism. All of us have the right to feel safe and secure in the communities of which we are part.
The NCCA is very clear in its submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion:
There is no place for racist, ethnic, religious, or communal hatred and violence in Australia or in any society. These evils must be eradicated. Everyone should feel safe and secure at all times, especially in celebrating their faith in places of worship, and in educational and public spaces.
The invitation to Australia is to, with honesty, accept the realities we are confronted with and repent before God and each other that they are happening. Being repentant and honest about ourselves and our communities, though uncomfortable and unsettling, is an important step towards initiating lasting and ongoing change.
John the Baptist uses colourful language to confront the Pharisees and Sadducees and describes them as a ‘brood of vipers!’. He invites them to ‘bear fruit worthy of repentance’. What would ‘fruit worthy of repentance’ look like in Australia today?
Rev John Gilmore, NCCA President