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Charter for Racial Justice

A Charter for Racial Justice in the Anglican Church of Canada, first received in 2004 and affirmed in principle by the General Synod in 2007, sets out the Church’s commitments to racial justice, reconciliation and systemic change. It names racism as a sin and offers theological grounding, structural analysis and practical commitments that dioceses and parishes can use to support anti-racism education, ministry planning and community partnerships. As a working document, the Charter provides shared language to guide racial justice efforts in Anglican communities across Canada.

Suggested uses

  • Parish or diocesan study of anti-racism commitments
  • Orientation for committees, councils or boards engaging in policy development
  • Training resource for clergy, staff or volunteers
  • Reflection tool for groups seeking to strengthen equity and inclusion in ministry
  • Background reading for justice and advocacy initiatives

Key themes

  • Dignity, equity and right relationship
  • Systemic and individual racism
  • Baptismal identity and mutual responsibility
  • Transformation of church structures
  • Commitment to learning, accountability and repair

Best suited for: clergy, parish leaders, diocesan staff, committee members, educators, justice groups and all who seek to understand and deepen the Church’s commitments to racial justice.

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.