TY - JOUR AU - Kime, Karen AU - Short, Monica PY - 2019/08/25 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Engaging with Aboriginal peoples: Challenging inequality in the rural Australian Anglican Church from a sociological, social work and theological perspective JF - Australasian Pentecostal Studies JA - APS VL - 20 IS - - SE - Articles DO - UR - https://aps-journal.com/index.php/APS/article/view/9535 SP - 35-54 AB - <p>Nearly two thirds of Indigenous Australians reside outside capital cities. Several Anglican Churches in<br>rural, regional and remote locations strive to engage with Aboriginal communities. A number of Aboriginal people<br>are active and vibrant members of the Anglican Communion, faithfully ministering and sharing the Christian<br>message. Two members of the Anglican Church, one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous, via a co-operative<br>inquiry, explored the question: how do the inquirers perceive the Anglican Church engages with Aboriginal<br>peoples in rural, regional and remote Australia? From a sociological lens this inquiry explored the impact of<br>ongoing colonisation on church praxis. It challenged the rural Anglican Church to be courageous and proactive in<br>role modelling for the world-wide church engagements with Aboriginal people that affirm Australian Indigenous<br>culture, pastors and leaders’ ministries. It outlined from a social work perspective the importance of advocating<br>for justice such as fair wages paid in full. From a theological lens the inquiry discussed equality and formation for<br>rural Anglican ministry. The discussion drew upon rural-themed Christian parables, in particular the parable of<br>the sower, as well as faith expressed in action. This inquiry argued for the building of just relationships that are<br>Christ-honouring, led by the Holy Spirit and person-loving. It upheld the reality that all Indigenous and non-<br>Indigenous peoples are equal image bearers of God and are to be respected and have inherent dignity.</p> ER -