Catholic Bishops commit to welfare of indigenous people of Canada

By Praise Agbro with agency report

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has committed to the welfare of the indigenous people of Canada.

The commitment was given two years after Pope Francis’ historic pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation, two years on.

The nation’s bishops say they “remain committed to walking in solidarity and listening to the experiences of Indigenous Peoples to guide the path forward.”

Text of the commitment was contained in a Letter addressed to “The People of God,” wherein the bishops say they continue to reflect “on the profound sorrow Pope Francis expressed for the devastating effects of the residential school system on Indigenous communities, and on the journey of reconciliation and healing we have embarked on .

The bishops highlighted some of the initiatives undertaken by the Church in Canada since the Pope’s visit to include:

Pledge by the Bishops to fundraise 30million Canadian dollars over a period of five years for financial support of Indigenous priorities for projects aimed at supporting healing and reconciliation.

Over half of that amount has already been raised, with funds going to initiatives identified by local Indigenous communities and overseen by the Indigenous reconciliation fund.

The bishops have also committed themselves to “transparent access” to mission, sacramental, and burial records, as well as other documentation.

“Pope Francis emphasized the significance of uncovering and recognizing truths about the historical injustices faced by residential school survivors and their families,” the bishops say, adding, “Truth must come before reconciliation.”

Finally, the bishops acknowledged “the many difficult conversations around the country regarding our painful legacy.”

Recognizing that “this deep desire for truth and transparency resides first with Indigenous communities and residential school survivors,” the bishops encouraged dioceses and all Catholics to support local indigenous communities as they delve into the painful history of the residential schools.

Credit: Vatican News