ARTIST SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ALLEGED ABUSE OF POWER BY UNITING CHURCH
BY ASAD KHAN AND MARION CHEEDY
Lesley Murray, a renowned Aboriginal artist from the Anawin culture, has come forward to voice her concerns about the alleged abuse of power by the Uniting Church against the Beananging Kwuurt Institute (BKI).
Ms Murray, who has spent her life connecting with her heritage through art, is now using her platform to bring attention to the issue.
According to Ms Murray, the Uniting Church's decision to close BKI is motivated by a desire to sell the land, which is valued at millions of dollars.
"The United Church, along with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, have banded together to get our community, our elders, families, and that of BKI off the land because they want to sell it," she said.
The Uniting Church in Australia said in a statement to Ngaarda Media that there were consultations and attempts to reconcile.
“The Uniting Church in WA made the difficult decision to close BKI after extensive consultation with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress,”
“Despite efforts to resolve differences, irreconcilable conflicts between the BKI Board and the UAICC led to the closure decision. Tensions were heightened when BKI board members publicly promoted a "no" vote in the Voice Referendum, contrary to the UAICC's support for a "yes" vote.”
The Uniting Church also expressed sadness over the abuse directed at its leaders and members, highlighting the divisive impact on Indigenous communities and emphasizing a desire to foster new, positive relationships as BKI transitions.
However, Ms Murray and other community members have expressed concerns about the Church's motivations and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
The closure of BKI has been met with resistance from the community, with many arguing that it will have a devastating impact on the Noongar people and their children.
She emphasized the importance of taking action and holding the Uniting Church accountable for their actions.
"How can you mediate and find a solution when the other party won't come to the table, won't even look at you?” she said.