Archbishop Makarios of Australia issues statement on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament

·

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has issued a statement on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, encouraging Greek Orthodox faithful to “engage seriously with the referendum question… about constitutional recognition.”

Constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.

In his statement, Archbishop Makarios said the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) “is committed to working together to uphold the dignity and sacredness of every human person.”

“Having been subjected to domination and exploitation, inequity and discrimination, dispossession and indifference, the ‘Voice’ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to be marginalised in the political process,” the Archbishop said.

“Together with this, they have not been appropriately acknowledged as the first custodians of Australia, who inhabited this land for many thousands of years before Australia’s more recent history.”

Archbishop Makarios then encouraged everyone “to walk together, and in a spirit of reconciliation and healing, advance forward towards a movement which will see First Nation’s people be able to hope for a better future.”

Australians will vote in a referendum on Saturday, October 14 on whether an Indigenous Voice to Parliament should be enshrined in the Constitution.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Federal MPs express disappointment over La Trobe’s proposal to cut Greek Studies

Maria Vamvakinou and Andrew Gilles are among other Labor MP's who expressed disappointment over the Greek Studies program at LaTrobe University ending after 38...

Greece orders Muslim prayer hall to shut down near Athens

Greece has ordered one of the oldest Muslim prayer halls in the greater Athens metropolitan area to shut down. Saying the facility lacks a license...

Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Society of NSW celebrate nurses

The Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Society of New South Wales held an event on May 8 to present the ‘Nurse of the Year’ Award.