You’re Invited: Unveiling of the Ashfield Uniting Church “Sorry Memorial”
Ashfield Uniting Church invites you to a deeply significant event on Sunday 25 May at 1PM — the unveiling of our new “Sorry Memorial”, honouring the stories, strength, and suffering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ashfield Uniting Church invites you to a deeply significant event on Sunday 25 May at 1PM — the unveiling of our new “Sorry Memorial”, honouring the stories, strength, and suffering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This important addition to our Reflection Area is a continuation of our commitment to justice, truth-telling, and reconciliation. Rev. Bill Crews explains, “As you know, I, and the Uniting Church, were fervent supporters of the ‘Yes’ Campaign. In fact, the Uniting Church launched its whole campaign from here.”
Throughout the campaign, Rev. Crews spoke to thousands across the country and was struck by the widespread public support.
“I was struck by the depth and level of support for our Indigenous brothers and sisters throughout this land. Naturally, I was saddened by the result,”
Determined not to let momentum fade, the Ashfield congregation began work on a permanent symbol of solidarity. “Over the last few months, here at Ashfield, we have been building a ‘Sorry Memorial’. We commissioned an Aboriginal Elder artist to paint a sorry painting, which we are now affixing to the wall,” said Rev. Crews.
The Memorial will be accompanied by a QR code, allowing visitors to register their pilgrimage and ongoing support for First Nations peoples.
“There seemed to be no way for ordinary people to maintain a level of support. This is a way to keep that spirit alive.”
The new memorial joins others at Ashfield Uniting Church honouring the victims of historical injustices including the Korean Comfort Women, the Tiananmen Square Massacre, and the Armenian Genocide. We hope you can join us for this moment of reflection, commitment, and community.
All are welcome.
