One of the Church’s understandings of Reconciliation is that while God alone offers true reconciliation (and thanks be to God for the glorious gift of reconciliation given to us through faith in Christ Jesus), as individuals or societies, there is a process or steps that we can take which contribute in some way to the healing that comes from reconciliation. Traditionally these steps are: confession; expression of contrition or sorrow for sin; doing penance, which expresses a desire to make amends, change, doing justice, all to avoid perpetuating injury or sin; and, ultimately, absolution, which restores right relationships, heals guilt, and frees us for healing.
The Episcopal Church continues to work for Reconciliation with its part in running Boarding Schools for Native American, Indigenous, and Alaska Native children. We have reported previously on the ongoing work of the Episcopal Church’s A127 Commission which is helping to design a process for Reconciliation with respect to the Boarding School legacy.
It is a process. But we give thanks for the steps that are being taken in humility and hope. The Episcopal Church was the first Mainline Denomination to repent of and renounce the Doctrine of Discovery. Our Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies have offered their personal repentance and contrition for the Episcopal Church’s legacy with Boarding Schools, and General Convention, by resolution, has done so on behalf of the church.
The Church, however, was not alone in this legacy. In fact, the Church was often working directly with the government following educational policy and paradigms established by law.
I give thanks for the news that the President of the United States intends to offer an apology for the United States’ 150-year Boarding School Policy with Native Americans. I pray that we all may receive this news as a blessed step towards reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing. Read Article
