An Indigenous theological revolution

Soul Search

Hundreds of people — including pastors, activists, ministry workers and theologians — have gathered from every corner of this land we now call Australia. They're on Wurundjeri country for a First Nations theology conference, to share their faith and vision for justice. Some are describing this event as a theological revolution.

It's a reckoning of sorts, addressing the role of the churches during the era of colonial missionary activity through to the recent constitutional referendum.

Professor Anne Pattel-Gray is the inaugural Head of the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Divinity. She is a descendant of the Bidjara and Kari Kari peoples of Queensland and a celebrated Aboriginal leader.

Mikenzie Ling is a Wiradjuri woman who recently completed her Masters of Theology, with her dissertation titled: Is Land My Mother? An Australian Aboriginal Christian Theology of Custodianship and Connection to Country.

Rhanee Lester, Adnyamathanha delegate from South Australia at the First Nations theology conference.

Sandra King OAM, Quandamooka and Bundjalung woman, and Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator for the Anglican Church in Southern Queensland.

Also in this episode, Julie Coombs, Joshua Lane, Travis Turner, Kyle Wicker, Ben Van Geldren, Dean Chisholm.

Further conference information:

Raising our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution – University of Divinity

Further listening:

• Contemplating country with Garry Deverell - ABC listen
• Theology after Mabo – Dr Anne Pattel-Gray for Reconciliation Week - ABC listen
• Heal Country: NAIDOC week with Brooke Prentis and Aunty Rev Denise Champion - ABC listen
• Sovereignty is a spiritual notion: NAIDOC special - ABC listen
• Reconciliation as a pilgrimage to justice - ABC listen
• Indigenous theologian Garry Deverell on grounded spirituality - ABC listen