Acknowledgement of Country in church contexts

When the General Assembly of Australia (GAA) met recently, it considered a report about “Acknowledgement of Country” in church contexts.

The report and decision have attracted attention in the Christian media, the wider media and on social media. I thought it would be helpful to give some explanation and comment.

An Acknowledgement of Country — or a Welcome to Country by an indigenous person — has recently become a common part of Australian public life. They are presented with a wide range of wording recognising that the land on which the meeting is being held was occupied by the local First Nations people.

They often affirm the continuing connection of the people to the land and offer respect to aboriginal people and their elders. …