Ben,

Good to see a blog that addresses the burning social issue of our times, namely our relationship with australia’s indigenous peoples.

I agree with the perspective that it is the dominant culture (transgressor in your language) that is required to overcome the narrowness of their position to admit to the reality of history, and their hand in it.

Equally so, it is incumbent on the transgressed to show grace and accept an apology.  In my experience and frequent dealings with aboriginal people at the grass roots level, they are more than prepared to do this.  In a sense, they are “new wine ready for new wineskins”, ready to engage in constructive, collaborative relationship building. 

Sadly, this dynamic is not always reflected in the leadership of both sides. 

However, hope springs eternal, and the recent Federal Govt apology to the stolen generation is a great start in ‘naming some realities’, rather than ‘blaming the realities’.

Jesus is reported to have said that he came not for the strong, but for the weak.  In our times, we need to recognise that we are the strong dominant culture, and indigenous australians have a significantly weaker position in our society.  Our challenge is to hear the call of Jesus to respond to this gross power differential.

Keep the social focus coming!  It is the work of the Spirit!