Anglicare Southern Queensland staff were well represented among the attendees at the 2017 Sorry Day service in St John’s Cathedral on 26 May.
What is Sorry Day?
Approximately 80 people from across the diocese joined to reflect on the painful history of the Stolen Generations and recognised the significance of the Bringing them Home Report, presented to the Australian Parliament on 26 May 1997. One year on from the report, Australia observed National Sorry Day for the first time. Thus, acknowledging the suffering and loss of generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.
The service was an initiative of the diocese’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group. This group consists of First Nations staff and non-Indigenous staff. It also has a representation from across the diocesan commissions including Anglicare.
Anglicare recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Australians, and their deep connection to the land, waters and skies. We pay respect to the Elders both past and present who have influenced and supported Anglicare on its journey. Furthermore, our respect is extended to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, clients and partners.
To learn more about Anglicare’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, please visit our First Nations webpage.
Anglicare staff Carol Pickering and Gemma Pickering with Fr Bruce Boase, co-chair of the RAP working group.