An Invitation to Enter into a Time of Prayer During the Closing Ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

National Bishop Susan C. Johnson invites the church, “into prayer for the closing events of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and for renewal in our commitments to healing and reconciliation.”

In her letter, she gives a some background about residential schools, describes the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and offers suggestions as to how individuals and the Church can be engaged in healing and reconciliation during this time and into the future.  The full letter can be found here.

In July, the ELCIC National Convention will hear from TRC Commissioner Marie Wilson and will consider a resolution to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery.  In the coming weeks, more details will be available in the ELCIC’s Countdown to Convention e-newsletter and online at www.elcic.ca.

Pastor Brian will be attending the National Convention and will be able to provide us with information as it comes available and give a first hand report when he returns.  Our prayers of support for his work at the National Convention and for hearing wisdom and the Spirit in that place go with him.

As part of the letter’s conclusion, Bishop Johnson writes

Our Lutheran tradition teaches us that reconciliation is a gracious and precious gift from God our Creator. For true reconciliation to happen the Creator must stir hearts. It is the Creator who opens eyes and ears and souls that we may have the courage to speak truth, the patience to listen, the wisdom to confess and the humility to show respect. It is the Creator who calls us to hope for a better future and for a healing journey that will bring us to true community.

More information about the history of Residential Schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and our churches’ involvement and work towards reconciliation will also be found on our Truth and Reconciliation page.