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Primate’s new webcast highlights Aboriginal justice

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Published on 
June 11, 2008

In a new six-minute webcast, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, addresses the “beloved church” from the windy tundra of Iqaluit, Nunavut. He visited Iqaluit from May 31 to June 2 for the Diocese of the Arctic synod.

The Primate describes three June events related to Aboriginal justice: the June 1 launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on residential schools, the Canadian government’s Primate calls for prayer June 8 June 11, and National Aboriginal Day June 21.

Archbishop Hiltz urges Canadian Anglicans to participate in these events as much as possible, and to uphold them in prayer. He then offers up his own prayer, which begins, “Great Creator God, who desires that all creation live in harmony and peace…we dare to dream of a path of reconciliation.”

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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.