St John’s Liturgy for all affected by Forced Adoptions.

On 12^th February 2013, a Liturgy of Healing and Support was held for Those Affected by Forced Adoptions at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane.  The Archbishop of Brisbane, the Most Rev’d Dr Phillip Aspinall and the Dean of Brisbane, the Very Rev’d Dr. Peter Catt welcomed the congregation to St John’s for  this important and significant service.

Many special guests attended this service including The Governor of  Queensland, Her  Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley,  Professor Ian Jones, Hon. Tracy Davis, Hon. Desley Scott, Catholic  Archbishop, the Most Rev’d Mark  Coleridge, Salvation Army Leaders,  along with representatives from the Australian Senate  and Queensland Parliament who could not attend due to sitting commitments.

A special Message was sent from Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Her message said:

“For too long, women suffered the unthinkable trauma of having their babies taken away, while those babies grew to childhood and adult life confused about their origin, so often suffering from feelings of profound rejection and distress.
We can never recover the ties that were broken and the life journeys that remain forever unexplored. But at least we can face the past with honesty, bring comfort to each other, and ensure the mistakes of former times are not repeated in our own.”

Archbishop Aspinall said:
“We acknowledge before you the pain that comes with loss.
We bring before you the unanswered questions about those who were adopted and a life missed with them:
What would life have been if we stayed together?
What type of person did she become?
What is he doing now?
We pray for all affected by forced adoption. 
May our time Together today be one of healing.”

 

Margaret Hamilton and Trish large then spoke of the horrors that is forced adoption.
Susan Kelly from PASQ was their support person.

Dean Peter Catt then spoke from the heart to the congregation.

This was followed by the lighting of remembrance candles.
Special readings and hymns were chosen by Dean Peter Catt.
A special pale pink rose was then planted in the rose garden, and a plaque which reads:
“Always remember,
 A Children’s Tea Rose.
Planted 12 February 2013.
To those affected by Forced Adoption.
Commemorate the Diocesan Apology"

This beautiful Service was followed by afternoon tea provided by the Diocese. All who attended remarked positively on the Liturgy and mingled with the special guests during the afternoon Tea.

ALAS believes that this service of healing is the first ever given by any Church in Australia and we are proud to have been involved.
We congratulate St John’s on their willingness to hold this service.
Channel 10 News covered the event on their 6pm news.