NATSICC on mission to inform
National
South Australian Aboriginal elder John Lochowiak has urged Catholics to fully inform themselves about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and the forthcoming referendum.
As chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), Mr Lochowiak last month launched a new website on the Voice called ‘One journey, together’.
“We are proud to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and we are proud to be Catholic,” Mr Lochowiak said.
“Our shared faith calls on us to come together as one to uphold justice, and I encourage Catholics to take a look at the website and learn more about how they can engage in this important referendum.
“By working together in a spirit of solidarity, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
“A great step forward on that journey is to learn more about the Voice and what it means to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Australian Catholics.”
Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci said he would not tell anyone how to vote but it was his responsibility to remind Catholics to reflect on the Voice in “the light of our faith and Catholic Social Teachings and the common good and dignity of all people”.
“We need the ongoing journey of reconciliation and healing,” he said.
“Whatever happens with the Voice, it will not solve all the issues, we are all on the journey together.
“Let’s make sure we are informed, and to see which is the best way forward for dignity and respect for all.”
The website hosts messages from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and community members, bishops and other religious leaders. It has a range of activities and resources for parishes and communities, including a video of the Voice Prayer, a kitchen table discussion starter and frequently asked questions.
NATSICC has also partnered with SBS Radio to translate the Uluru Statement of the Heart into many of Australia’s multicultural languages and 20 Aboriginal dialects.
To learn more, visit indigenousvoice.church
Jump to next article
