Imberger, Rob 7 Sep, 2023 10am, Resonate, 8am

This article was published as part of Wellspring's September 8th Newsletter. In no particular order, the resources Rob referred to can be accessed below:
 

 

--

The Voice to Parliament referendum will be held on October 14th. Australians will be asked whether we approve an amendment to our Constitution, to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by establishing a Voice to Parliament. (The federal governments website provides a useful overview of what that means). Most of us will have received paperwork, read commentary, and perhaps already formed a view that amounts to a Yes or No.

Like many contemporary issues, the bible does not comment on this Voice, therefore there cannot be a categorically Christian way to vote. But, as with every other matter the bible does not specifically address, Christians are wise to employ their reason and conscience, seeking the Spirits illumination.

As your Pastor, I want to be upfront with the Wellspring community and indicate Ill be voting Yes. You will need to research, think, and discern about these issues for yourselves. If you dont know, dont vote No: please find out more and pray.

Here are a few convictions driving my intention to vote Yes:

  1. God made and owns our land Australia, including everyone in it: therefore, what is done by and to Australians matters to Him. The Uluru Statement from the Heart, from which The Voice originated, is essentially one big appeal for white Australia to listen. I believe the permanence of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in our Constitution, often cited as a negative, is a much-needed corrective for peoples who have been historically marginalised, mistreated, and sinned against.
  2. Jesus gospel is as big a solution as our sin-problem. When the problem is reduced to my sin between me and God, the solution is as private: 'Jesus died so I am forgiven and go to heaven'. The effect of the solution is also small-scale: 'I can overcome my personal sins'. When the problem is broadened to 'Sin has tainted everyone and everything', the solution is likewise wide-ranging: Jesus has come to restore whats broken and resurrect whats dead, inside me and around me. The effect of this solution is personal and social. Political decisions, including about The Voice, can be part of the outworking of Jesus justice-producing gospel.
  3. Christians should be the best at reconciliation. If we have experienced forgiveness and welcome from God through Christ, we can apply that to our human relationships, perhaps especially the complex ones. In what I think is a gracious way, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are inviting Australians into renewed relationship with this Voice, where listening and speaking play their parts.
  4. Not perfect is our default setting until Jesus return. I dont believe flaws in The Voice model are reason enough to deny its passage. Political solutions only partially fix spiritual problems, but the fixes remain worthwhile where we are able to make them.

Ive been reading and reflecting about The Voice for some time and have compiled the above resources from a variety of viewpoints which may help as you continue considering. One timely opportunity is to attend Dr. Michael Guerzonis workshop at the upcoming Bishops Training Event.

Some of us may be alarmed by how polarised the wider debate has become, which is sure to increase in the coming weeks. Lets be praying that honour, integrity, and good listening characterise the Churchs witness especially.

If desired, I invite you to contact me to explore things further.

Your brother in Christ,


Rob Imberger