Finding our common mind

Sometimes, this work is easy. The give and take may not cost us too much. The issue may not be that important or we can find a sustainable position. Other times, finding a common mind is hard work. The issues at stake are too important. They must be wrestled with.

The Christian worldview is that a common mind can be found. Christians understand that God’s desire is that we are united. Our unity is shaped by love. Love is the essence of God. Love is what God is all about. Human beings are invited to love God, themselves, others, and creation.

The Christian ideal is that no answer should prevail if it is unloving. Yet, we know that they do. There are often losers as well as winners. Power is misapplied and abused everywhere. There are people who are conditioned by their circumstances. They are taught not to speak about their needs, or punished if they do.

History shows that the church, as an institution, has wielded power. It has often sought out and sided with the powerful. For much of recent history, this has meant that a white, European, male view has dominated. But this is being challenged.

There were at least four powerful movements in the 1950s and 1960s which are still finding their voice today. These were women’s equality, equity for people of colour, decolonisation, and justice for gay and lesbian people. These were social movements and churchbased movements. Lay and ordained Christians were very active in this life-changing work. The same era witnessed the fresh wind of the Spirit in the Catholic Church through Vatican II.

A loving world sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people shaping the affairs of this land that God entrusted to them. A loving world sees every person as able to become all that God has created them to be regardless of gender or sexuality. A loving world welcomes decolonisation at every level where people misuse power. When we live in a loving way, everyone is safe and can flourish.

In my view, there are sound theological and spiritual foundations for pursuing justice and equity for all people. I strongly support the Voice of First Nations People to the Commonwealth Parliament. I am a committed ally of LGBTIQA+ people. As a nation, we are seeking a common mind on the Voice. In the Anglican Communion, we are seeking a common mind as we respond to different understandings of human sexuality.

As a Christian, I know that all my positions are provisional. As water drips on a stone and it changes, so will I continue to develop and adapt my insights. I discuss, read, reflect, meditate, and pray. I seek the mind of God. None of us is perfect. We are all forgiven. Our best self can take time to emerge.

I want to commend two practices to you.

In your meditation and prayer – wait upon the Lord Deliberately spend time in silence, calming in your inner turmoil, and wait for the nudging insights of the Holy Spirit. They will come. God will always lead us to love.

In your conversations with others – be your best self Our best self is one who looks on others with loving and compassionate eyes. We seek to see people as God sees them. We aim to let our shades of prejudice and hurt fall away.

My prayer is that in healthy and holy ways we will find a common mind. That we will allow God to work through us and make God’s world a better place.

For Our Elders, Bobbi Lockyer

Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.