Indigenous Reconciliation Group
We aim to become a community of faith that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will recognise as a place where they are respected, welcomed, and will experience the love that the triune God has always had for all peoples.

 

The group meets monthly, usually on the 2nd Thursday at 2.00-4.00 p.m. at the church,
​199 Bayswater Rd, Bayswater North.

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​     As followers of Jesus, our church is committed to a ministry of reconciliation with our First Nations peoples.
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     In 2020 our vicar, Rev. Bruce Bickerdike, encouraged our church to support reconciliation. Bruce himself had served several years among First Nations people, first in the Northern Territory as a teacher and then, with his family, as a pastor among the Pitjantjatjara people in northern South Australia.

    At monthly gatherings of interested people, we have a variety of speakers and programs that help us learn more of the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and of how we can pray for real reconciliation. Sometimes people share from their personal experience in connecting with Indigenous communities, both in the NT and in Victoria. Occasionally we go on outings to places of Indigenous significance, such as Coranderrk and the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

     We seek to meet and share with Indigenous pastors, churches, and First Nations people. We always welcome input from missionaries currently involved in Indigenous ministries, and from members of similar groups in other churches.

   To further assist us in these endeavours, the church has become a partner with the Christian Indigenous fellowship, “Common Grace”. They provide helpful information, and activities to engage the congregation in meaningful ways of learning about, supporting, and praying for First Nations peoples. In June 2024, three members of the First Peoples Assembly Victoria shared with the Group, along with Safina Stewart from Common Grace.