NATSIAC stands for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council. There is a NATSIAC Canon which is part of General Synod’s rules and regulations that govern the membership of NATSIAC and give us guidelines as to how we work and function. NATSIAC is affiliated internationally with the Anglican Indigenous Network which has a seat on the United Nations.
About NATSIAC
Our Story
In 1991 at a meeting of the House of Bishops it was decided that the Anglican Church of Australia needed an Indigenous voice and The National Aboriginal Anglican Council was established. In 1996 the Torres Strait Islanders were included and in 1998 the 11th session of General Synod established the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC) by Canon and that Canon was later amended in 2004 and 2014. There have been many struggles over the past years to have our voices heard. Our prayer is for you to walk beside us, share our stories, our dreams and hopes and minister together to all peoples of this great land and seas.
Who are we?
We are bishops, priests, deacons and lay members of the Anglican Church of Australia, who are Indigenous. We are Indigenous representatives from every diocese in the Anglican Church of Australia and are appointed by each diocesan bishop. NATSIAC also holds the rights to nominate an additional ten members.
At its core NATSIAC is about the promotion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We seek to be a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians within and without the church. We give an Indigenous perspective to the Anglican Church forum, especially those issues that involve support and social justice for Indigenous communities and ministries. Above all our members minister to, with and alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
What does NATSIAC do?
NATSIAC is an Indigenous voice in the Anglican Church. We have an “as of right” position on General Synod. We give an Indigenous perspective to the Anglican Church forum, especially those issues that involve support and social justice for Indigenous communities and ministries.