The following prayer is being offered by the Aboriginal and Islander Commission (AIC) to churches for use on Sunday 26 May in their services to observe National Sorry Day. The prayer is a symbol of the AIC's belief in the sacredness and power of prayer for healing.

The prayer will be placed on the NCCA's website, AIC page and is being distributed to churches nationally through the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2002 kit. It will also be sent to State Ecumenical Council offices for distribution.

Sorry Day Prayer

Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image, Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.

You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven. We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families. We are sorry and ask God's forgiveness. Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits. In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable. Lord, you are our hope. Amen. Aboriginal and Islander Commission National Council of Churches in Australia. 2002.