Australian Lutheran College [ALC] is pleased to announce the conferral of Doctor of Divinity [Honoris Causa] on Pastor George Rosendale. The award is based on his contribution to the development of Indigenous theology, reflection, and education in Australia, as a pastor and teacher of the church. The award is to be conferred at the College’s Graduation Ceremony at Concordia College, Highgate, SA, on 28 November 2009.
The Rev John Henderson, Principal of ALC, said ‘Pastor Rosendale has long been a respected elder, teacher, and leader of his people. He has made an enormous impact on those he has taught, and on the community at large. His unfailing witness to Christ, his humility, and his ability to communicate the gospel values that sustain him, have made him a widely respected teacher of the church, and leader among his people.’
In 1969 he became the first Australian Indigenous ordained minister of religion, serving in the Lutheran Church of Australia. He assisted in producing the first Australian Indigenous Member of Parliament, Eric Deeral; one of Australia’s most prominent Indigenous leaders, Noel Pearson; and the first local government Shire Council CEO, Greg Wallace.
Graeme Mundine, Executive Secretary of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission, says of Pastor Rosendale ‘His years of lecturing at Nungalinya and Wontulp Bi-Buya have brought many Indigenous leaders forward for ordination and ministry. His lectures across the country have been taken up and used by many groups.’
Over the decades he has been a major contributor to Indigenous theology, reflection, and community development. His involvement has included developing and delivering courses at Wontulp Bi-Buya College in Cairns, and Nungalinya College in Darwin. He has also served as a guest lecturer in residence at Australian Lutheran College in Adelaide.
In 1942 George Rosendale and his family were forcibly removed from Hope Vale to Woorabinda, because the local missionary was of German descent. The dislocation caused the death of many in the community, but it also became an incentive for Aboriginal people to step up into leadership positions. George was one of those. Starting out after the war as a carpenter, he narrowly escaped death after being bitten by a taipan snake. Believing that God had spared his life, he dedicated himself to working for God and sharing his faith through the church. This was the start of many years of faithful and sacrificial service.
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Doctoral Award for ground-breaking Aboriginal Leader
Saturday, 26 September 2009, 9:28 (EST)
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