The Indigenous Ecumenical Network fosters unity and agency within the Indigenous Church, mobilising leaders to confront historical injustices and influence theological education through collective action.
National Indigenous Ecumenical Network Report
Read the National Indigenous Ecumenical Network Report, released May 2024.
What is it?
The Indigenous Ecumenical Network emerges as a pivotal platform, striving to empower the Indigenous Church to shape its trajectory with a unified voice across the realms of church, society, and politics. With a vision set on fostering unity and agency within the Indigenous Church, the network’s mission is to mobilise Indigenous Church leaders to confront historical injustices and influence theological education through collective action. At its core, the purpose of the Indigenous Ecumenical Network is to equip and enable the Indigenous Church to champion justice, reconciliation, and ecological well-being through profound engagement and theological enlightenment.
With a strategic focus, the network aims to advocate for justice, promote ecological harmony, influence theological discourse, empower Indigenous Church leaders for pivotal roles, and establish accessible pathways for Indigenous peoples to engage in theological education. Governed by a set of terms of reference, the network operates under the leadership of the Head of the School of Indigenous Studies (SIS), with membership appointed by the same authority in collaboration with Church denominations, ensuring gender balance to respect cultural protocols. Meetings, held both in person and online, provide spaces for deliberation, strategizing, and collaboration among network members, reinforcing its commitment to collective advancement and empowerment within the Indigenous Church.
Who we are
The Indigenous Ecumenical Network is comprised of Indigenous Church leaders from various affiliations and backgrounds, united in their commitment to advocate for justice, reconciliation, and ecological harmony. Governed by a set of terms of reference, the network operates under the leadership of the University of Divinity’s Head of the School of Indigenous Studies, ensuring gender balance and representation from diverse cultural backgrounds. With meetings held both in person and online, the network provides spaces for deliberation, strategizing, and collaboration among its members, reinforcing its commitment to collective advancement and empowerment within the Indigenous Church.
List of members
| Names | Church Affiliation |
| Shirli Congoo | Salvation Army – General Manager Territorial Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Team (SATATSIT) |
| Rev Canon Dr Garry Deverell | National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC) |
| Dr Josephine Bourne | Torres Strait Islander representative -Anglican |
| Nathan Tyson | Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) |
| Professor Dr Anne Pattel-Gray | Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) |
| Rev Canon A/Prof Glenn Loughrey | Chair – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC) |
| Rev Mark Kickett | Chair – Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) |
| Ravina Waldren | National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) |
| Dawn Gilchrist | Church of Christ |
| Pastor Brad Henaway | Uniting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) |
| Dean Chisholm | National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) and the Academic Dean of Nungalinya College |
| Elverina Johnson | Anglican Church |
| Marlon Riley | National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) |
| Pastor Don Haywood | Baptist Church |
| Rev Dr Rex Rigby | Wesleyan Methodist Church |
| Nomination TBA | Lutheran Church of Australia |
Vision
To provide a platform for the Indigenous Church to develop, define and lead our destiny with a unified voice across church, society, and politics.
Mission
Through presenting a united voice, Indigenous Church leaders will call for action to address historical injustices and shape theological education.
Purpose
The Indigenous Ecumenical Network equips and empowers the Indigenous Church to pursue justice, reconciliation and ecological well-being through deep listening and theological education.
Objectives
- Advocate for justice and reconciliation.
- Promote ecological well-being.
- Influence theological education.
- Equip Indigenous Church leaders for leadership roles.
- Develop learning pathways for Indigenous peoples to access theological education.
Terms of Reference
- The Network is chaired by the Head of the School of Indigenous Studies.
- Members of the National Indigenous Ecumenical Network are appointed by the Head of the School of Indigenous Studies on the recommendation of the Church denomination.
- The Network membership must have gender balance to adhere to cultural protocols.
- Members may nominate a proxy for meetings.
- The Network meets at least once in person and twice online annually.
Media
Funded by
Hanna’s Project
