Kildare Ministries Trustee Statements
The Trustees of Kildare Ministries periodically publish statements which respond to matters of injustice in Australia. The statements arise from the Kildare Ministries Vision, Mission and Values.
The intention of the statements is to provide clarity on their position and act as supports or guides as needed by the wider Kildare Ministries community.
The intention of the statements is to provide clarity on their position and act as supports or guides as needed by the wider Kildare Ministries community.
Kildare Ministries statement on The Voice Referendum
The 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, written by representative groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, is a deep expression of hope for the future of Australians. It declares, “in 1967 we were counted, and [now] we seek to be heard”. Voice, Treaty, Truth Telling, are the three stages identified in the Uluru Statement that will begin to establish right relationships with our First Nations people.
Later this year, Australians will be required to vote in the referendum on The Voice. This is a significant historical moment that will enshrine First Nations’ voice in the Constitution.
The oldest continuous culture in the world, of more than 65,000 years, deserves our respect. First Nations people are seeking to be consulted on issues that affect their own lives and wellbeing. For too long this has not been the case. We understand the deep hurt of these past 234 years, captured by, “this is the torment of our powerlessness”, (Uluru Statement of the Heart) in a land that was never ceded.
The oldest continuous culture in the world, is to be celebrated as a gift. First Nations people are our only way of truly knowing who we are as Australians on this land. Our learning can be deepened and enhanced by listening to the advice and perspective of our local elders, indigenous students and staff who attend and work in our schools. Also by reading the wisdom and experience of people who have worked in this space for over a decade, including Fr Frank Brennan, Noel Pearson, Vicki Clark and the reader of the Uluru Statement, Megan Davis.
The Trustees of Kildare Ministries are steadfast and consistent with their commitment to inclusive and empowered communities and see this as a fuller expression of our Vision and Mission statement and a reflection of our Values in action. The Voice to Parliament is a first step towards a better Australia. It is one that unites us and one that respects and dignifies the oldest culture in the world. In the tradition of the founding charisms, Kildare Ministries acknowledges the sacredness of the land known as Our Common Home.
The Trustees of Kildare Ministries support the referendum on the Constitution.
Later this year, Australians will be required to vote in the referendum on The Voice. This is a significant historical moment that will enshrine First Nations’ voice in the Constitution.
The oldest continuous culture in the world, of more than 65,000 years, deserves our respect. First Nations people are seeking to be consulted on issues that affect their own lives and wellbeing. For too long this has not been the case. We understand the deep hurt of these past 234 years, captured by, “this is the torment of our powerlessness”, (Uluru Statement of the Heart) in a land that was never ceded.
The oldest continuous culture in the world, is to be celebrated as a gift. First Nations people are our only way of truly knowing who we are as Australians on this land. Our learning can be deepened and enhanced by listening to the advice and perspective of our local elders, indigenous students and staff who attend and work in our schools. Also by reading the wisdom and experience of people who have worked in this space for over a decade, including Fr Frank Brennan, Noel Pearson, Vicki Clark and the reader of the Uluru Statement, Megan Davis.
The Trustees of Kildare Ministries are steadfast and consistent with their commitment to inclusive and empowered communities and see this as a fuller expression of our Vision and Mission statement and a reflection of our Values in action. The Voice to Parliament is a first step towards a better Australia. It is one that unites us and one that respects and dignifies the oldest culture in the world. In the tradition of the founding charisms, Kildare Ministries acknowledges the sacredness of the land known as Our Common Home.
The Trustees of Kildare Ministries support the referendum on the Constitution.
Kildare Ministries statement of Inclusion and Justice
'Come and you will see' John 1:39
The principles of freedom and equality are core aspects of the gospels and Catholic social teaching. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of association are inalienable human rights.
We believe that all religious bodies, including churches and other groups, should be able to co-exist with respect and acceptance.
Kildare Ministries is a richer organisation because of the multi-cultural and multi-faith nature of its communities. This nature is supported within our Catholic tradition and explicitly by the policies and procedures of Kildare Ministries. Therefore, Kildare Ministries believes that people should not be persecuted or discriminated against because they hold, or do not hold, a religious belief, or engage in or do not engage in religious practises.
We invite and encourage mutual respect and acceptance among people and groups.
We accept the practical challenges and responsibility this brings for all in any Kildare Ministries community.
We believe that all religious bodies, including churches and other groups, should be able to co-exist with respect and acceptance.
Kildare Ministries is a richer organisation because of the multi-cultural and multi-faith nature of its communities. This nature is supported within our Catholic tradition and explicitly by the policies and procedures of Kildare Ministries. Therefore, Kildare Ministries believes that people should not be persecuted or discriminated against because they hold, or do not hold, a religious belief, or engage in or do not engage in religious practises.
We invite and encourage mutual respect and acceptance among people and groups.
We accept the practical challenges and responsibility this brings for all in any Kildare Ministries community.
Walking in Solidarity.
A Gender Inclusivity Statement
from the Trustees of Kildare Ministries
We welcome and encourage everyone to participate freely and fully in the life of their Kildare Ministries community. Enjoying friendships, learning and growth are key parts of the life of our community.
We firmly believe in and value the goodness, complexity, and inherent dignity of every person. Human diversity is part of the design and wonder of creation.
Kildare Ministries acknowledges that each person’s gender identity and gender expression can be separate, non-binary and fluid. Within a broad spectrum, LGBTQIA+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves and these terms should be listened for and respected.
Kildare Ministries also acknowledges that sexual orientation covers a broad spectrum and can also be fluid.
Gender identification, gender expression and sexual orientation represent some aspects of each person’s identity. There are also many other intersecting aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, and religion. We support the right of people to express their whole identity without fear of bullying, judgement, reprisal, or discrimination.
All should be heard and feel included and to this end we commit to fostering safe communities, safe dialogue, and relationships characterised by trust and respect.
We accept the challenge to be understanding and compassionate to all.
We firmly believe in and value the goodness, complexity, and inherent dignity of every person. Human diversity is part of the design and wonder of creation.
Kildare Ministries acknowledges that each person’s gender identity and gender expression can be separate, non-binary and fluid. Within a broad spectrum, LGBTQIA+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves and these terms should be listened for and respected.
Kildare Ministries also acknowledges that sexual orientation covers a broad spectrum and can also be fluid.
Gender identification, gender expression and sexual orientation represent some aspects of each person’s identity. There are also many other intersecting aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, and religion. We support the right of people to express their whole identity without fear of bullying, judgement, reprisal, or discrimination.
All should be heard and feel included and to this end we commit to fostering safe communities, safe dialogue, and relationships characterised by trust and respect.
We accept the challenge to be understanding and compassionate to all.