We are enjoined to vote about a Voice. A Voice from
the Indigenous peoples of this land to the Parliament, to be enshrined in the
Constitution from which their voices have been silent. This is prophetic
business. There are many voices in the Bible. Among them John, crying in the
wilderness; the Shepherd naming the sheep; the “daughter of a voice” speaking
to the prophets; the voices of the prophets themselves.
The Voice has opponents. “Society won’t accept this.”
But we are society. “The voters won’t vote for it.” But we are the voters. “The
courts will be filled with it.” Yes, we know you’ll try. “It’s racist.” On the
contrary, it’s racist not to do it. “It’s not enough, not perfect.” The
perfect is the enemy of the good. “What if it fails?” Does it help win a fight by
expecting to lose? “It’s confusing.” Who takes the first step without aiming for
a destination? Clarity is found by seeking.
The Yes campaign appeals to reason; the No campaign to
fear. Fear is thought to be good public relations. But the word of an angel is
always: “Fear not.” Prophetic business. We can be prophets. We can vote Yes.
