Serve, Work and Transform: Living into Right Relations: November 2023

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Living into Right Relations: November 2023

November 22, 2023

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from
The United Church of Canada

Indigenous Peoples Speak to the Remit

In July 2023, people from Indigenous communities across The United Church of Canada came together at the National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering, where they discussed and voted on Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous Indigenous Organization. Much wisdom was shared about why the Indigenous church wants this change in structure, and what it means for everyone in the church. The remit passed overwhelmingly at this gathering—now it is up to those who haven’t yet voted to have their say. But first, please see and hear what was said at the Spiritual Gathering in this new video.

[Video credit: The United Church of Canada]

40 Days on Anti-Racism Resources

40 Days of Engagement on Ant-Racism banner over Church stained glass

As this year’s 40 Days on Anti-Racism study comes to an end, we wanted to remind you of the resources related to Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation. These include video sessions on race-shifting with Dr. Darryl Leroux, environmental racism with Dr. Ingrid Waldon, and Indigenous identity in the church, with leadership from the United Church and the Anglican Church of Canada. There’s also lots of good written material as well, and these resources are available year-round…not just for 40 days!

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada| Dreamstime]

Joint GCE-NIC Letter on Israel-Gaza

The National Indigenous Council met together with the General Council Executive in mid-November, and they issued a joint letter to the Prime Minister advocating for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The letter acknowledges that, in the view of legal experts, “the world is witnessing a genocide, and very little is being done to stop it.” The full letter is available on the United Church website.

[Photo credit: Hosny Salah, DSPR]

Advent and Christmas Wishes

Winter Greens and holly berries covered in snow

The newsletter is taking a break for Advent and Christmas. From all the staff in the Indigenous Ministries and Justice unit, season’s greetings—may the New Year be a time of peace and healing.