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Church representatives to meet with Deputy Prime Minister

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By Leanne Larmondin on 
May 15, 2001

Government and church representatives are scheduled to meet here this week to discuss litigation both face over residential schools.

For the first time, the Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers will represent the church in the discussions. Archdeacon Jim Boyles, the church’s General Secretary who has been the key representative in all discussions to date, will join him, as will Esther Wesley, the national church’s healing co-ordinator and two bishops: Terry Finlay (Toronto) and Don Phillips (Rupert’s Land). The delegation will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray.

The meeting is the first since the House of Bishops sent a letter in early May to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien asking him to intervene in stalled negotiations aimed at compensating litigants in lawsuits involving residential schools.

In that letter, the bishops noted their dismay at the lack of progress in the negotiations and warned that the finances — not to mention the healing work — of the church were in peril.

“Those who were abused still wait for justice and the litigation is rapidly draining [our] resources,” the letter stated. “We assure you of our ongoing commitment to our ministry of healing among the indigenous peoples of Canada. We will continue this work as long as we are able, but it is now in jeopardy.”

The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is circulating an e-mail request for parishes and dioceses to hold prayer vigils to support the discussions.

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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.