Congregation Covenanting Actions
Our Covenant
In 1985 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the Uniting Church in Australia formed the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). Congress is an independent body within the Uniting Church and determines its own goals and objectives and decides its policies and priorities. It is dedicated to seeking the spiritual, physical, social, mental and emotional wellbeing of Australia’s First Peoples.
In 1994 the Uniting Church in Australia entered into a Covenant with UAICC to walk together as First and Second Peoples in order to create a more just church and nation. According to Scripture, a Covenant is a binding agreement between two parties. The signing of the Covenant marked a new chapter in the relationship between First and Second Peoples within the Church. Read more about the Covenant here – https://uniting.church/marking-30-years-of-the-covenant/
Since 1994, the Synod of WA has appointed a Covenanting Commission. Its purpose is to promote understanding of the Covenantal relationship that the Uniting Church has with UAICC, to develop relationships with First Peoples, to encourage congregations to support the work of UAICC, and to be involved in the ministry of reconciliation between First and Second Peoples. The Covenanting Commission includes members appointed by UAICC and the Synod, and is co-chaired by the Chairperson of UAICC WA Regional Committee and the Uniting Church WA Moderator.
Strengthening the Covenant
One of the key strategic priorities adopted by the Uniting Church WA is ‘Strengthening our Covenantal Relationship with Congress’. In working towards this priority, the Covenanting Commission is encouraging all congregations to read the Congregation Covenanting Guide, and then to consider what actions they may take to promote closer relationships between First and Second Peoples.
In recent weeks they have become aware of the following:
- St Martin’s Foothills congregation include a regular donation to Congress in their annual budget. This year that donation was given towards the development of a Healing Centre for Stolen Generations by Beananging Kwuurt Institute (BKI).
- All Saint’s Floreat congregation recently had a retiring offering which was donated to the ministry of Maaman ‘O’ Miya congregation in Coolbellup
- A small group from Trinity North are planning to visit Maaman ‘O’ Miya congregation soon to begin developing relationships.
- Leeming congregation have been long involved in Covenanting, providing catering for funerals, pastoral support for the Tammin Faith Community, Christmas food packages and financial support for BKI
- Northcliffe congregation have Covenanting Statement posters displayed, hold a NAIDOC Week service and include prayers for First Peoples in their worship.
- Wagin congregation are in conversation with Congress about how they can provide financial support to the development of young First Nations leaders.
- Several Nyungar adults and children regularly attend Star Street congregation where they are valued members. Recently one of the Nyungar adults shared her faith journey with the congregation.
What about your congregation?
What actions is your congregation taking, or planning to take to deepen your relationship with First Nations people?
The Covenanting Commission would like to know what you are doing or if you need any help or suggestions. Members of the Covenanting Commission are willing to visit your Church Council to discuss options.
You can get in touch with the Covenanting Commission via the Secretary Rev Bev Fabb – [email protected]
