National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes. It is a step on the path to reconciliation. It is a commitment to right the wrongs of past injustices and is about building a bridge of respect between all people.

On 13 February 2008, the first sitting of the new parliamentary year, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally acknowledged the immense suffering experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people due to past government policies of forced child removal and decades of mistreatment of Indigenous Australians.

The National Apology to the Stolen Generations remains a momentous turning point that demonstrates the importance of historical acceptance in paving the road to reconciliation.

Loving God, Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming, you who created all people in your image and likeness, may we listen with care to all people of this land and treat all with respect.

Source of all creation and unity, bless us in our endeavours to live as one in Christ. 

May you, our God of justice, give us the strength and courage to transform the world according to the vision of Jesus. 

May you, our God, model of community and equality, inspire us to bring harmony and a new vision of peace and reconciliation to all.  Amen.