What if They Gave Instead a “NOT Welcome to Country” Ceremony? By Brian Simpson

Imagine if, in response to the protests and arrests, Aboriginal groups escalated their stance, declaring a "NOT Welcome to Country" at future events: "You guys are not welcome, this is our hall now, so go back to wherever!" This hypothetical scenario would have profound fallout, especially on a day like ANZAC Day, which symbolises national unity.

Deepening National Divide: Such a declaration would exacerbate tensions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, framing the latter as unwelcome invaders on their own soil. On ANZAC Day, a day meant to honour shared sacrifice, this would be particularly jarring. Veterans and families, like those at the 2025 Melbourne service who wore their late relatives' medals (SBS News), might feel their contributions are being dismissed. From a Christian perspective, this violates the call for unity and love (John 13:34-35), potentially fuelling resentment and further protests, as seen in X posts questioning the Welcome to Country's relevance.

Political Backlash: A "Not Welcome to Country" would likely provoke a strong political response. Leaders like Albanese, who condemned the booing as "beyond contempt," might face pressure to denounce this escalation, but their response could inflame either side. Conservative politicians, like the equally woke Peter Dutton, who called the booing "an outrage," might shift focus to criticise Indigenous overreach, as The Nightly noted public support for the protests. This could lead to policy changes, such as banning Welcome to Country ceremonies at national events, further polarising the debate. A Christian conservative might see this as a failure of leadership to foster reconciliation (Matthew 5:24), deepening societal fractures.

Cultural and Social Fallout: Indigenous veterans, like Kamilaroi veteran Dean Duncan, who expressed despair at the booing (RNZ News), would feel even more alienated if their communities issued such a declaration. The exclusion of non-Indigenous Australians could lead to boycotts of ANZAC Day events, with some refusing to attend ceremonies perceived as hostile. Conversely, Indigenous groups might double down, organising separate commemorations, as seen in the historical exclusion of "Black diggers" from national narratives (ABC News). This segregation contradicts the Christian ideal of one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), undermining the shared memory of sacrifice.

International Perception: ANZAC Day 2025 saw global participation, with ceremonies in Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and Sarawak (Defence.gov.au). A "Not Welcome to Country" stance could tarnish Australia's international image, portraying it as a nation unable to reconcile its past. Allies like New Zealand, which also honours ANZAC Day, might distance themselves, especially given their own efforts at Māori inclusion. From a Christian perspective, this failure to "live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18) could hinder Australia's witness to the world as a nation under God's principles.

Spiritual Reflection: A "Not Welcome to Country" declaration would grieve a Christian conservative heart, as it rejects the Biblical call for hospitality (Hebrews 13:2) and forgiveness (Colossians 3:13). It would also embolden extremist groups, to exploit the divide, further eroding the moral fabric of society. Prayer for healing and unity (1 Timothy 2:1-2) would be the Christian response, alongside efforts to bridge the gap through dialogue, not exclusion.

The ANZAC Day 2025 arrests in Melbourne, following protests against the Welcome to Country, highlight a deep cultural rift. Defending the protesters' concerns—preserving ANZAC Day's focus and exercising free expression—reveals legitimate frustrations. Critiquing the Welcome to Country ideology exposes its modern origins, divisive implications, and potential conflict with Christian values, explaining why it sparks such contention.

Finally, a hypothetical "Not Welcome to Country" declaration would deepen national divides, provoke political and social backlash, and challenge Australia's unity, calling for a Christian response of prayer, reconciliation, and love. This situation underscores the need for wisdom (James 1:5) in navigating cultural tensions while honouring the sacred legacy of ANZAC Day.

This is what happens when Leftist ideologies, which should have been stamped out in the 1960s, are allowed to dominate the narrative of Australian society.

https://nationfirst.substack.com/p/this-is-our-country-and-we-will-not