June 2nd: from Diane Stuart

Calls to the Church – Indigenous Voices From Within Our Church

Last evening about a dozen folks from KUC were able to tune into this Free Webinar Series presented by Leadershift.  We learned some of the history of Colonialism in Canada, and the Indian Act.  For the next 3 evenings we will more closely examine the Calls to the Church, a document produced by the United Church’s National Indigenous Council and presented at the 43^rd General Council in July 2018.  The 9 Calls outline pathways for the whole church to continue to walk in the Spirit of Christ toward justice, healing, and reconciliation.

Former Moderator Rev. Cantwell says, “This is a road map into being the church we want to be.  The Indigenous folks in the United Church have said ‘We want to be Church together.’  They have worked hard to create a way that we can be together.  And they have done the hard work of saying ‘Here’s how we can do that.  Here’s what this can look like.’   They invited us as a whole church to be on that journey together.  If we want to be different, we can’t be the same!”

The Reconciliation Exploration Circle group invite you to tune in TONIGHT 6:30-7:30 and for the following 2 nights to learn about the Calls.

Online, via Zoom link (registration is required to access the link)

https://www.leadershiftpm.ca/register/calls-to-the-church-06-2021

A link to more information on the Calls to the Church:  https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/being-community/indigenous-ministries/calls-church

The link to the ‘Calls to the Church’ PDF:  https://united-church.ca/sites/default/files/06_caretakers_of_our_indigenous_circle_report_-_revised.pdf

Kamloops United Church’s Response

It was with deep sorrow that we, the congregation of Kamloops United Church, heard about the discovery of the remains of 215 children at Tk’emlups Reserve, the site of a former Residential School.  Along with Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, we mourn the loss of these young lives whose trust and innocence was violated.  With hope and prayer we yearn for peace and healing for the families and Indigenous people across the country. 

This long-suspected tragedy is a stark reminder of Canada’s shameful history with the Indigenous people of this land.  We acknowledge that we have a responsibility and a role to play in reconciliation.  At KUC we pledge to continue to walk with the Indigenous people of the area, and work on the TRC Calls to the Church, to build a just relationship towards Reconciliation.