A Call to Reconciliation

June 4, 2021

Image Source: MB Herald

MBCM Statement

The MBCM family is deeply saddened by the bodies of 215 children found on the grounds of the Kamloops residential school. This is a tangible and heartbreaking reminder of the thousands of children who were killed while attending residential schools and the thousands more who suffered physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual abuse at the hands of those claiming to be the church. As Christians, and more specifically as Anabaptists we acknowledge our complicity in the residential school system and offer our apology and our commitment to do better, to be better in our pursuit of reconciliation with indigenous brothers and sisters in our congregations, in our province, and in our country.This discovery is a reminder that the pain caused by the residential school system is not a thing of the past, nor is it something that we can ignore; it is the responsibility of every Canadian and especially every follower of Christ to be active seekers of reconciliation, to listen to the stories of indigenous people, to hold our government accountable to their promises of action. As we serve our Creator in these ways we claim God’s promise in Matthew chapter 5 “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6 NLT).**(Special thanks to The Meeting Place leadership team for preparing this statement)

 

Next Steps & Resources

The TRC Anabaptist/Mennonite apology.
This apology was in response to the TRC and includes commitments to the ongoing work of reconciliation.

Indigenous peoples of Mantioba (A guide for newcomers)
A helpful pamphlet to help increase our awareness and knowledge of the indigenous peoples of Manitoba.

Ways to engage and learn about the history of the residential schools
Thanks to Kathy Riedner Heppner (Fort Garry MB Church) she has compiled some very tangible ways to be involved including action steps for further involvement.

A Call to Prayer
We invite all members of the MBCM congregations to listen and learn. We invite you to take time to pray for the many that are grieving and re-living trauma at this time. As we pray for grace and for healing, let us also be active in working towards justice

 

Blanket Exercise (Learning Activity)

An opportunity to understand a little more clearly what our Indigenous brothers and sisters experienced as a result of colonization. This is a role play experiential learning activity that tells the story of this land and its people from an indigenous perspective. An experience for your congregation Please contact Lloyd Letkeman (Multiply Central Canada) for more information.