The events in Canberra on this year's Australia Day raise issues for all of us and for those of us who are Christians in particular. Indigenous Australians understandably find the celebration of 26 January not just difficult but offensive as it is the day of invasion from their perspective. The coming of white people to the shores of Australia resulted in indigenous people being pushed off their land, their culture not understood or valued, their lives diminished. The new Preamble to the Constitution of the Uniting Church acknowledges this reality.

In his moving apology to the First Peoples in February 2008, then-prime minister Kevin Rudd spoke of the 'unfinished business' of our nation.

He likened aspects of our history to a 'stain on our soul'. Most importantly, however, he spoke of hope - of a way in which all the people of our nation may be truly reconciled to the past in order to build a strong future together.

The festive season is nearly upon us again. I find myself writing to do lists that are quickly lost, striding purposefully into rooms only to forget what I was supposed to be doing and spending lunchtimes thinking about the comparative virtues of gift vouchers, home made gifts or running away.

September 21st is the International Day of Peace, a day when people around the world reflect on what peace means. It should have a special resonance for Christians for whom Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He calls his followers to a ministry of reconciliation and taught, 'blessed are the peacemakers'. Peace is a concept that is everywhere and nowhere in our world. In a single news bulletin pop stars flash the peace sign, warring nations are engaged in peace talks and peaceful protesters gather in places of conflict.

In the wise words of Yoda…. “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."

I was a child when I first experienced the fear, anger, and hatred towards refugees for myself.