Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglicans allocate $100,000 in grants for mission

November 7, 2019

14 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mission initiatives will receive a funding boost totalling just over $100,000 from the Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) in 2020.

The successful projects were selected at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC) Gathering, held in Adelaide in October. The projects include chaplaincy in an Aboriginal school, musical instruments for a new ministry engaging young men in the Northern Territory, funding for an Aboriginal Anglican Leaders conference, help for the establishment of the new Torres Strait Regional Council for the Anglican Church, help for newly established Aboriginal churches, Bible camps, breakfast programs, an event to connect with the families of school children involved in Religious Education, publication of curriculum resources, copies of Kriol prayer books for Aboriginal churches, and help to investigate the viability of a new commercial enterprise for one Aboriginal church.

Brad Chapman, ABM Missioner, said that “NATSIAC members share a passion for mission and a burden for the struggles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Many minister in difficult circumstances; bringing healing and hope in the midst of trials”. In consultation with NATSIAC, ABM has launched a funding program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mission Grants. The grants are designed to assist mission activities which benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ABM raises the funds and administers the grant scheme, but the successful applications are chosen by the members of NATSIAC. “NATSIAC is the obvious body to make decisions about priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mission. Members have a vast array of knowledge and local understanding that guides their discernment of how grant funds should be allocated” says Mr Chapman.

“It is a privilege for ABM to be able to journey alongside NATSIAC and hear what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglicans are saying. The Anglican Church of Australia needs to do more to address the wounds and injustices of our history and to embrace the many gifts that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglicans offer in our contemporary church”. Mr Chapman said.

NATSIAC member, Rev’d Di Langham from Newcastle Diocese told Gathering participants about the impact of a grant that she has received from ABM in 2018. The grant helped with the establishment of Pondee Church which is held on Saturday nights in Toronto. It started off with around 9 people and currently has up to 37 attendees, half of whom are Aboriginal.

ABM would like to thank our donors who have generously given to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mission grant fund. The grants are a practical way that the church encourages and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in mission. You can find out more about the grants, including how to donate, at www.abmission.org/pages/australia-reconciliation-program.html

 

Members of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC) at the 2019 Gathering in Adelaide. © ABM, 2019