June 25, 2024
With deep sadness, we mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. Gondarra OAM, a giant in the life of the Uniting Church and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and a revered Yolŋu leader. We give thanks for his incredible contribution to our journey of reconciliation, his unwavering compassion for his people and his deep insights into the God who walks with us all.
See below a shared statement from National Congress Chair Rev. Mark Kickett and President of the Uniting Church Assembly Rev. Sharon Hollis.
Rev. Mark Kickett, UAICC National Chair:
“The loss of the Reverend Doctor has seen the curtain close on one of the most extraordinary men of our time. When the book of Hebrews talks about the heroes of faith in Chapter 11, so too the Reverend Doctor can be numbered amongst them as a hero of faith and a giant in the journey and life of the UAICC (Congress) and the Uniting Church in Australia.
It is with deep sorrow that we have received this news and on behalf of the UAICC, I send our heartfelt love and condolences to his family, community, the NRCC and the Northern Synod.
Our prayer is that the God whom we love and serve, will sustain you through this sad time and that you may know the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.”
Rev. Sharon Hollis, UCA President:
“Rev. Dr. Gondarra OAM was instrumental in the founding of the Uniting Aboriginal Islander Christian Congress and provided visionary leadership to Congress, the Uniting Church and the global church for over four decades. He was the first and only Indigenous Moderator in the Uniting Church. He served on the World Council of Churches Central Committee and was a pioneer of Indigenous theology both in Australia and around the world.
Rev. Dr. Gondarra OAM was a tireless advocate for his people and their right to sovereignty and self-determination. He showed us how Indigenous culture and spirituality can inform and enliven theology.
His writing and teaching was my first introduction to Indigenous theology and I give thanks for this gift.
My spirit is grieved at this profound loss. I pray for his family, his community and all who grieve his loss. May his life’s work continue to inspire us to learn from Indigenous people and work for the recognition of the sovereignty of First Peoples.”
The Northern Synod and the Northern Regional Council of Congress (NRCC) mourn the passing of the highly respected and much-loved leader and elder Rev. Dr. Gondarra OAM. It is with sad hearts that we say farewell.
The immediate past Moderator Rev. Thresi Mauboy Wohangara said:
“Like Moses, Rev. Dr. Gondarra has been a guiding hand, leading the Northern Synod and NRCC through a journey of joy and sorrow. His aura has reached from Galiwin’ku to even my homeland of Indonesia. I still remember him visiting my hometown. Though he appeared as just a man, his presence was felt through the room and inspired many who were there. He has become a significant role model for the churches in Indonesia, especially within GMIT in Kupang.
During my first meeting as the Moderator, Rev. Dr. Gondarra said to me: “In order to bloom, you must start from the bottom. If you want to be close with your brothers and sisters, you must touch the land. Come! Eat and drink with us. You will become part of us, and we will become part of you!”
All your words Ŋathi will stay in my heart forever.”
The NRCC will prayerfully support NRCC Chairperson Rev. Djawanydjawany Gondarra and the extended families in their time of grief.
Rev. Dr. Gondarra was a pillar of the Uniting Church and instrumental in the founding of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. His leadership embodied the spirit of ‘The Covenant’ challenging First and Second Peoples to walk together. He made a lasting impact in the strugle for equality far beyond the borders of his home in Arnhem Land.
Rev. Dr. Gondarra’s legacy is far reaching and challenges us to work toward a brighter future with justice for all, including First Nations Sovereignty and full recognition of Yolŋu Rom (law).
For now we respectfully observe this time for grief, honouring Yolŋu protocol. In time we will come together and celebrate the life of our beloved Elder.
We pray that God Waŋarr, with his love never-ending, watches over Rev. Dr. Gondarra’s extended family, together with the members of Northern Synod and the NRCC during this time of mourning.
