Mikael’s teachings remind us that life is fluid, ever-changing, and filled with opportunities for growth. This perspective can guide our understanding of history, especially during times of social tension. In Australia, truth-telling has become central to addressing past injustices, particularly those concerning the Stolen Generations of Indigenous children. These children were taken from their homes, placed in institutions, and faced trauma. Truth-telling seeks to acknowledge these stories, fostering healing.
However, another group of children—the British orphans, also known as “child migrants”—has been overlooked. They too were sent to Australia, where they endured isolation, neglect, and trauma. Their experiences remain largely forgotten, highlighting an imbalance in how we remember history.
Christian and Indigenous Teachings on Truth-Telling:
Christian teachings emphasize the liberating power of truth. As Christ said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Truth is not selective; it is for the healing of all. The Bible also calls for justice for the marginalized: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression” (Isaiah 1:17). Both Indigenous and British children deserve to have their pain acknowledged.
Indigenous wisdom, too, offers guidance. Truth is not just a set of facts; it is a lived experience connected to the land, community, and spirit. The concept of Ngapartji Ngapartji—reciprocity and shared understanding—emphasises the importance of mutual truth-telling. Truth-telling should aim to restore balance, not create division.
Fostering Inclusive Truth-Telling:
To create a more holistic understanding of history, we must:
1. Broaden the Conversation: Recognised the injustices experienced by all marginalised groups, including the British orphans, alongside Indigenous Australians. This helps create a more complete historical narrative.
2. Encourage Education: Truth-telling starts with awareness. Educational systems must include all stories of injustice to foster empathy and understanding.
3. Apply Mikael’s Teachings of Adaptation: As life changes, so should our approach to history. We must remain open to learning new layers of truth and adapting our understanding.
4. Promote Healing Through Acknowledgment: True healing requires acknowledging all forms of suffering. By recognising the trauma of both the Stolen Generations and the British orphans, we create space for collective healing.
Conclusion: The Path to Reconciliation:
Mikael reminds us that life’s challenges, including confronting historical truths, are opportunities for growth. Truth-telling must be inclusive, revealing the full spectrum of experiences. Both Christian and Indigenous wisdom offer pathways toward healing, justice, and balance. Only by listening to all voices can we foster true reconciliation and move forward as a unified nation.
Reflective Questions for Inclusive Truth-Telling and Healing
Feel free to respond:
1) How can we ensure that the stories of all marginalized
groups, like the British child migrants, are included in national conversations
about historical injustice alongside Indigenous stories?
2) In what ways can truth-telling become a tool for unity
rather than division within a community or nation?
3) How does Mikael’s
teaching of adapting to life’s changes apply to how we perceive and engage with
historical narratives?
4) What role can
education play in fostering a more inclusive and balanced understanding of
history?
5) How can we practice truth-telling in a way that honours
both Christian teachings of justice and Indigenous wisdom of reciprocity and
balance?
6) What are the
potential benefits of acknowledging all forms of suffering, and how might this
contribute to collective healing?
7) How can
individuals and communities embrace a fluid approach to understanding history,
allowing for growth and new perspectives over time?
8) What challenges
might arise when trying to expand the scope of truth-telling to include all
stories of injustice, and how can these challenges be addressed?
