wfn.org | Australian bishop defends Lambeth 'native title' resolutions

["Lambeth98" <storm@indigo.ie>]

ACNS LC108 - 7 August 1998

Australian bishop defends Lambeth 'native title' resolutions

by Allan Reeder
Lambeth Conference Communications

The world's Anglican bishops have taken a stand on Australia's
controversial debate over the ownership of lands claimed by
indigenous peoples.

A resolution passed by the conference Friday (August 7)
"expresses its concern where native title is under threat whether
through domestic legislation" or other causes such as
globalisation or structural adjustment programmes.

The conference of 740 Anglican bishops, including more than 40
Australians, also voted to affirm its "support for the
recognition of indigenous land title."

Finding an international forum

Melbourne Assistant Bishop Andrew Curnow said it was important
that the case of Australia's indigenous peoples is heard in an
international forum such as the once-a-decade Lambeth conference:
"Australia's track record with land rights is being looked at
from around the world." 

The church "is a worldwide fellowship. We are not just concerned
with our own backyard, and therefore I think it's quite
legitimate for the world gathering of Anglican bishops, it's a
very appropriate forum for us to take this Australian issue,"
Bishop Curnow said.

 "The passing of the motion adds more weight to the pressure that
the churches will continue to keep up on all political parties in
Australia and particularly the government, that what they have
done is not the right way forward," Bishop Curnow said. 

Report treats same concerns

Australia's track-record also surfaces in an official report
issued by the Lambeth Conference, outlining the discussions of
small groups of bishops along several themes during the
conference. 

The Lambeth "Section One" report, which draws on the Australian
government's "Stolen Children" Inquiry report, states: "Recent
reports from Australian government sources reveal that thousands
of aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their parents
and families and placed on foster homes for decades up until the
1970s in order to eliminate the separate existence of indigenous
people." 

After reviewing stories from Australia, Argentina, South Africa
and North America, the report concludes: "In every case
indigenous peoples are disproportionately poor, have little
access to a good education and health care, suffer from high
death rates, and in Australia and the United States are often
prone to alcohol and drug addiction."

Bishop Andrew Curnow said the resolution from the Lambeth
conference is an opportunity to offer support.  

"Indigenous peoples, particularly at home in Australia, are
looking for an expression of support and understanding from other
areas of the world," Bishop Curnow said. "The churches have been
at the forefront in Australia of continuing to express great
concern" about the Australian government's recently-passed native
title legislation and "the effect it's having on the whole
reconciliation process," Bishop Curnow said.

He said, "If we go home without Lambeth saying something,
indigenous peoples and particularly Anglican indigenous people
will feel enormously let down."

For further information, contact:

   Lambeth Conference Communications
   Canterbury Business School
   University of Kent at Canterbury
   Telephone: 01227 827348/9
   Fax: 01227 828085
   Mobile: 0374 800212

   http://www.lambethconference.org