Uniting Church leaders express sadness and disappointment over Stan Grant stepping back from ABC's Q&A program

Uniting Church leaders express sadness and disappointment over Stan Grant stepping back from ABC's Q&A program

Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT, Rev. Simon Hansford said:

“I am dismayed at the appalling response in some parts of the media and social media to the role Stan Grant holds in our community. Stan has continued to provide important insights and commentary on many of the critical social, cultural, religious and political events in the world around us. His challenges and critique are shaped and informed from his life as an Aboriginal man, as well as his education, experiences and reflections in the life he has lived. It is vital that we have debate about issues which affect our life and community, and Stan’s voice is a valuable contribution in many of these issues. This is not about agreeing with the comments Stan has made; this is about how we agree, or disagree, as a civilised community. Criticism and disagreement must never be based on race, as so many of the recent attacks on Stan have been. Racism demeans us all and allowing it to continue unremarked deepens the wounds already caused. These attacks need to stop. We offer our support for Stan, his family and community and give thanks for his contribution to our national life. Each human being is profoundly valuable, and created in God’s image; for this reason the Uniting Church stands against race-based attacks - in any form. We affirm the place and voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders at the heart of our nation.”

Uniting Church Minister, Dr Anne Pattel-Gray said:

“It is disappointing to see another high-profile Aboriginal leader's voice silenced by the barrage of racism in the case of Stan Grant. I would have thought in the year 2023 we Australians would be able to engage in conversations about our colonial history with some maturity, honesty, and integrity. Stan has over the years navigated conversations that allowed us to engage in conversation on difficult topics with respect and courage. He is a critical thinker and a prolific author who makes a significant contribution to cutting-edge scholarship within this country. Stan is admired by not only his people but by the broader society and he is a highly sought-after speaker, and this reflects the respect most Australians have for him. The growing racism that is directed at high-profile Aboriginal people should not be tolerated nor should we just sit back and say nothing as Australians we should be outraged, and we shouldn't accept this racist violence any longer. I call on all Australians to express your support of Stan and affirm that we are not a country that holds racist beliefs or values.”