How to develop an authentic Australian Spirituality

Evelyn Parkin will give a talk in the Blue Mountains regarding the development of an authentic Australian spirituality. During her presentation, titled “Nurturing an Australian Spirituality: Pre-Colonisation, Colonisation and Walking Together,” Parkin will discuss Australia's deep spiritual heritage, the effects of colonization, and the potential for Aboriginal and Christian spiritual traditions to intersect.

Parkin, an Aboriginal Quandamooka woman from Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, intends to encourage listeners to consider a spirituality that incorporates the ancient wisdom of First Nations peoples and acknowledges historical realities through respectful listening and walking together. Her talk is part of the Stockton Conversation series, which honors the late Fr. Eugene Stockton, a Catholic priest and archaeologist.

Parkin has contributed to theological and liturgical discussions concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spirituality. Her previous work includes involvement in the liturgical development of the Feast of Creation and the Healing of the Land for this year's Creation Day.