These services will include a public apology by the Right Reverend Stuart Robinson, Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn. The public apology is as follows:

“On behalf of my Episcopal colleagues and the leadership of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, I wish to convey our deep and genuine sadness in relation to the pain and brokenness that people have experienced as a result of their engagement with our Church.

“I take this opportunity to apologise for any abuse or mistreatment that those sharing in this event may have experienced by individuals or groups connected with our Church.

“We know that hurt and sorrow can last for decades – indeed generations – and so we’d value the opportunity to work with people towards wholeness, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration – and trust that this service might begin to address such things.

“Our aim is to create and grow communities of faith that are safe, life-giving, transformative and Christ-honouring.

“In addressing personal grievances and unresolved conflict, we’ll be better placed to achieve our aim.

“Thank you for sharing in this gathering with us.”

Services of Lamentation are a way for Anglicans to recognise the pain, hurt and sorrow caused by the actions and inactions of our Church. It seeks to raise awareness about the need for pro-active engagement to create safe environments for people and be a step towards healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.

ANGLICAN parishioners of Cootamundra are being encouraged to take part in a public apology to victims of abuse.

Reverend Rob Donald, the Rector of Christ Church Cootamundra preparing to host services for ‘Lamentation Sunday.’ 

“Our regular services will become the focus of this apology to all who have been abused through our churches,” Rev. Donald said.

Services held in the Cootamundra Shire are part of an initiative led by the Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn, the Right Reverend Stuart Robinson.

The Rt Rev Robinson has called upon all churches in the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn to make a public apology to those who have experienced abuse at the hands of church members. 

Rev Donald says a letter written by the bishop will be read at Lamentation Sunday services.

“This letter calls upon us all to work towards healing for victims of abuse and to ensure our churches become ‘safe-havens’ for all those who are oppressed,” he said.

“It’s hoped that many will be led to join us to be part of this public act of contrition and change.”

The former Prime Minister’s public apology to Australia’s Indigenous people is a source of inspiration Rev. Donald. 

“When the Federal government said sorry to our Aboriginal people this was a turning point in the Australian understanding of collective guilt,” he said.

“It was recognised that we’re all responsible for perpetrating abuse when we don’t speak out or act against it.”

A more current motivator is the Australian government’s treatment of asylum seekers.

“Further questions are being asked about how we dehumanise people and their rights for a safe haven in our labelling and treatment of so-called ‘boat-people’.

“We, as Australians, need to say sorry for our indifference. 

Rev. Donald invites the community to attend church services at Christ Church on Sunday.

Regular communion services at 7.30am, 9am and 11am at Christ Church Cootamundra, and 3pm at St James Stockinbingal.

“I hope people can attend these gatherings to begin to make a difference.”