Michael Lee reflects on the Black Lives Matter movement and the call of the Gospel.

On Thursday 11 June, fans around Australia and the world tuned in to watch the Collingwood Magpies and The Richmond Tigers open Round 2 of the 2020 AFL Season – in June! Like many, I was moved profoundly by the players of both clubs kneeling in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and each player’s opposition to racism.

The list of players for both teams, like the roll at this school, reflects one of the great strengths of this country – names of young people from all different faiths, backgrounds, and origins, including those who belong to a people who have been here since the Dreaming.

The death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests (and the response to the protests) have given many of us cause to pause and reflect in anger, regret, and indignation at the blight of systemic racism.

Racism and what to do about it defeats all societies at times, but it never makes it right. All of us have felt the sting of injustice and none of us have liked it.

The call of the Gospel is a call to a life of faith, hope, and love. Racism has no place in such a life. Whatever its manifestation, indignation in the face of racism and the attendant desire and courage to fight it should be applauded.

Eradicating it from our own life is a sure step towards eradicating it from the lives of others.

Michael Lee
College Principal