Never Far Away

James Noble is an icon for the "Aboriginization" of the Christian clergy in Australia, for he set an example that others followed. It was a very difficult task: he did what no other Aborigine had done before. As the first ordained Aboriginal clergyman, he fulfilled his responsibilities in an exemplary way and contributed to the growth of the Anglican Church among the Aboriginal communities. His pioneering efforts led to the work of future indigenous Anglican clergy as well as to the work of clergy in other mainline Churches. Without these clergy, it would have been impossible to establish Christianity among Aboriginal communities. The missionaries' own records show how heavily and successfully they relied on Aborigines to act as their deputies in enforcing missionary order and European culture. These pioneers were gifted people who managed to pave new ways of thinking amidst unexpected changes following the European encroachment on Australian soil.