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Anglican Church of Canada committed to apology to survivors of abuse by Ralph Rowe

Published on 
June 14, 2024

This week, reports have circulated in the media about a meeting between representatives of the Anglican Church of Canada and the survivors of abuse by Ralph Rowe.

In October 2023, the court approved a settlement negotiated in a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of the survivors of abuse by Ralph Rowe against the Diocese of Keewatin and Scouts Canada. The settlement means that survivors will be able to receive compensation for the abuse suffered, and to hear words of apology.

In 2017, then General Secretary Michael Thompson indicated that then Primate Fred Hiltz was committed to apologizing for the abuse committed by Rowe while he was in the employ of the Church. The Church paused its steps towards an apology to avoid commenting on a matter before the courts.

With the approval of the settlement last fall, Church leadership is now taking active steps to continue the consultation with survivors so we can make an informed, engaged and too long delayed apology on behalf of the whole Church.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.