Multiple Baptisms Always Bless Me.

 

130 people are baptised in the Caddell River at a recent cross dedication ceremony at Gochan Jiny-jirra.

AUSTRALIA ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES

CROSS DEDICATION ATTRACTS 130 BAPTISMS  COMMENTLARGE NUMBERS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE CAME FORWARD FOR BAPTISM IN THE CADDELL RIVER AT A RECENT CROSS DEDICATION CEREMONY AT GOCHAN JINY-JIRRA – CADDELL HOMELAND, ABOUT 38KM SOUTHEAST OF MANINGRIDA IN WESTERN ARNHEM LAND.

“The Holy Spirit is working in Western Arnhem Land,” exclaims  Lindsay Parkhill, a bush chaplain for Frontier Services an agency of the Uniting Church.

In a cross dedication ceremony, wooden crosses are raised on homelands to bless the country and renew the covenant between God and the Holy Spirit in the land. The sacraments of the church – baptism and communion – are also performed. Lindsay took a supportive role in the recent ceremony and is planning many more with pastors, elders and leaders in Western Arnhem Land.

130 people are baptised in the Caddell River at a recent cross dedication ceremony at Gochan Jiny-jirra.

The cross dedication at Caddell also featured the recognition of eight ministry leaders – elders, music leaders, youth leaders and pastoral care workers, which prompted tears from those present. Other cross dedication ceremonies are planned at Mumeka, Mudginberri, Ngakalawarra, Kewelyi, Karrata and other Homelands.

“Cross dedication is a ceremony that has a long tradition in Western Arnhem Land, probably dating back to the 70s,” explains Lindsay, whose ministry is based in Jabiru in the heart of Kakadu National Park.

“More recently, we’ve been holding cross dedication ceremonies in homelands, on people’s ancestral estates. Planting a cross in the ground is a significant ceremonial activity and it’s treated with great reverence and significance by the inhabitants of the Homelands.”

Eternity.