They should be shut down.........
The Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa is calling on followers of the faith to “repent” and seek forgiveness for how the church mistreated thousands of aboriginal children in residential schools for many decades.
The message is contained in a pastoral letter written by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast and comes just days before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) releases the findings of its six-year probe into this controversial chapter of Canadian history.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has publicly released Prendergast’s letter as part of its efforts to support and pray for residential school survivors, and reconcile with them.
Meanwhile, the Anglican, United and Presbyterian churches – which were also involved in the school system – are gearing up for next week’s TRC release with plans to forge “reconciliation” activities.
In his letter, Prendergast invites Catholics “to reflect on the importance of Canada’s First Peoples and to repent with me for how the Church has at times mistreated them.”
“In particular, I ask that you act in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples over the offences of residential schools and join me in prayer for reconciliation.”
Prendergast describes the schools as a “dark period in the Church’s history.”
“The schools were part of a policy of cultural assimilation of Aboriginal peoples, and over the decades, much abuse took place at these schools. Most of these residential schools were operated by Catholic entities and we recognize a moral responsibility and obligation to repent of this wrongdoing.”
The archbishop writes that when the TRC begins four days of events in the National Capital Region this Sunday to cap off its work, church bells will ring across Canada at noon local time.
“We face the past and sincerely ask for forgiveness. Your awareness of this history, your presence at events, and your prayers will help the Church express its genuine desire to work with Aboriginal communities to build a shared future of mutual respect.”
The residential schools saga is one of Canada’s biggest untold stories. The schools were established and funded by the federal government and run by the churches.
more
Catholic archbishop repents for mistreatment of aboriginal children at residential schools
The Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa is calling on followers of the faith to “repent” and seek forgiveness for how the church mistreated thousands of aboriginal children in residential schools for many decades.
The message is contained in a pastoral letter written by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast and comes just days before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) releases the findings of its six-year probe into this controversial chapter of Canadian history.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has publicly released Prendergast’s letter as part of its efforts to support and pray for residential school survivors, and reconcile with them.
Meanwhile, the Anglican, United and Presbyterian churches – which were also involved in the school system – are gearing up for next week’s TRC release with plans to forge “reconciliation” activities.
In his letter, Prendergast invites Catholics “to reflect on the importance of Canada’s First Peoples and to repent with me for how the Church has at times mistreated them.”
“In particular, I ask that you act in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples over the offences of residential schools and join me in prayer for reconciliation.”
Prendergast describes the schools as a “dark period in the Church’s history.”
“The schools were part of a policy of cultural assimilation of Aboriginal peoples, and over the decades, much abuse took place at these schools. Most of these residential schools were operated by Catholic entities and we recognize a moral responsibility and obligation to repent of this wrongdoing.”
The archbishop writes that when the TRC begins four days of events in the National Capital Region this Sunday to cap off its work, church bells will ring across Canada at noon local time.
“We face the past and sincerely ask for forgiveness. Your awareness of this history, your presence at events, and your prayers will help the Church express its genuine desire to work with Aboriginal communities to build a shared future of mutual respect.”
The residential schools saga is one of Canada’s biggest untold stories. The schools were established and funded by the federal government and run by the churches.
more
Catholic archbishop repents for mistreatment of aboriginal children at residential schools
