The Truth and Reconciliation Commission wants an appology from Pope.
- Thread starter gerryh
- Start date
Even without the abuses, the system itself was designed with the intent of committing cultural genocide.
Four Churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, were contracted out to operate them unail inot the 1960's. Being on the lines, they would have been the most aware of the abuses going on in their care. Though underfunding was a problem, the Church could have backed out on moral grounds, but instead chose to continue to administer starving children and even opposed the Government's plan to take over the schools in the 1960's.
What about coverups, transfers, etc. Even those who did not actively participate in the abuse assisted in its oeroetuation. And even without the additional abuses, the system itself was abusive enough in separating children from their parents and suppressing their languages (government policy which the Church violently enforced).
The purpose and intent of the system was never a secret, it's death rates sometimes covered in the papers. Congregants sometimes collected clothing for the children at the schools, so we're clearly complicit in it themselves and fully aware of the lack of clothing provided at these schools.
That is like saying that a prime minister cannot be held responsible for the individual failings of one of his ministers. His Holiness is the head of the entire Catholic Church; an apology from His Holiness is an apology from the institution, which would go a long way in helping victims of the residential school system to begin healing and moving on. While the prime minister cannot guarantee that His Holiness would actually agree to the Government of Canada's request, the fact that this Government is even asking is demonstrative of this Government's genuine commitment to renewing a stronger and more respectful relationship with First Nations.
So, I gather that you are of the opinion that Pope Benedicts address to the First Nations delegation that he saw in 2009 is worth shyte.
Has anybody said 'that it will be a cold day in hell before that will ever happen'?? If so I apologize, back to your regular programming, . . .
Not at all.
I think that it was a step. For Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to have expressed "sorrow" and "solidarity" for First Nations peoples was a substantial development in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the First Nations peoples who were hurt by the residential school systems; however, sympathy is not the same as an apology. For the institution of the Catholic Church to officially apologize would be incredibly significant for the communities impacted by the Catholic Church's role in residential schools.