“We Say Yes”
On Thursday 21 September, Christian leaders gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral to affirm their support for the Voice, and to pray ahead of the October Referendum. During this ecumenical event, heads of Christian churches and organisations shared in reading a statement by the National Council of Churches in Australia, affirming their support.
“We will continue to walk with our Indigenous brothers and sisters on the journey from Voice through to Treaty and Truth (Makarrata) requested in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The aspirations of First Nations Peoples are for an equitable relationship between First Nations and the people of Australia. We support change where it brings healing, wholeness, reconciliation and unity for our nations.”
National Council of Churches in Australia, June 2023
Among many others, the gathered leaders included the Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe (Dean of Melbourne), Revd John Gilmore (President of the National Council of Churches in Australia), Revd (Deacon) Sandy Boyce (Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Churches), and Revd David Fotheringham, (Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania).
Following the event, the Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe published an open letter to voters ahead of the Referendum, titled “Open wide your hearts also”. Read the Dean’s letter here.
Watch a recording of the event here:
Photo: Elspeth Kernebone // TMA
Read more: Frequently asked questions about the ‘Yes’ banner