Stolen Generation

A brief Seventh-day Adventist perspective

The report of a 1997 national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from their families reminded Australians of regrettable aspects of their history.

The removal of these children--the so-called "stolen generation"-- undermined individual identity by destroying language, culture and relationships. This is producing devastating flow-on effects.

The traumatic revelations of the inquiry disturb Seventh-day Adventists in Australia. We apologise to the "stolen generation" and offer our moral, emotional and spiritual support. We also express our regret, concern and sympathy to all who are suffering because of our country's actions.

Adventists aim to be faithful to the reconciling ministry of Jesus Christ. One of our fundamental beliefs states that, "In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality . . . must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation."

We pray Jesus will bring healing to those who are hurt and are still grieving the loss of family.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia released a statement on the stolen generation in 1998. Below is the full statement.

During 1997, Australians have been made aware of forgotten aspects of their country's history. The removal of indigenous people from their land and families produced devastating flow-on effects. The National Inquiry Into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children From Their Families Report, with its revelations of the trauma suffered by indigenous children, their parents and families, has distressed many. Removal included deliberate attempts to destroy individual identity by the destruction of language, culture and family relationships.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church expresses its sincere concern, sympathy and deep regret to all indigenous people and their families who suffered so much sadness and heartache under the "stolen generation" era. We pray that Jesus, the Great Healer, will bring healing to those who hurt and are still grieving the loss of family. As Christians, we apologise that this happened in our country and communities and offer those thus affected our moral, emotional and spiritual support.