From The Reverend Leigh Kern (she/they) Right Relations Coordinator
The 94 Calls to Action are a pathway to justice, restitution, revival, and liberation for all peoples on this land. The violence and oppression of Indigenous Nations and peoples, especially children, is spiritual and physical harm that impacts us all. As Jesus and the Scriptures teach us- we are intimately connected and the harm we do individually or corporally is harm we do to God’s own body (Matthew 25). The work of reconciliation is a spiritual commitment to renewal and justice, grounded in principals of humility, relationship, following the path laid before us by Survivors of Residential Schools and colonization. In the season of Spiritual Renewal, I encourage everyone in the diocese to see reconciliation as an important commitment and practice for us all. The 94 Calls to Action are a guide for us all to pick up our responsibilities as Treaty residents on Indigenous Territory. As an inter-generational Survivor shared while helping with this resource guide: “For the act of truth and reconciliation- the Indigenous People bring in the Truth element and it is up to Canadians to bring in the reconciliation work. Before we go to the altar, we are supposed to have straightened out our wrong doings- we are supposed to have changed our ways. Is our work for reconciliation for our glory or is it for God’s glory?”
This June, and throughout the year, I encourage you to preach and teach on the 94 Calls to Action, to attend events I have highlighted for you in the events resource guide, to utilize the Sunday school and youth resources on respect and teaching from Indigenous Elders, and to respond to the 94 Calls to Action in your context and community. Of the 94 Calls to Action, 13 specifically name and call upon the Church. I encourage you to form study groups in your parish to read the 94 Calls to Action and choose at least one to focus on this year. Attached in the document “Taking Action” are examples of how to animate actions for the 94 Calls in your local community and context. The Bishop’s Collaborative for Right Relations and my office are here to support and resource you as you undertake a commitment to advocacy and education on the 94 Calls to Action. We encourage all parishes to study the Calls to Action, and use them as a framework for spiritual renewal, advocacy, and discipleship. As we reflect on the past decade, we are currently conducting an audit on our fulfilment to our responsibilities as a diocese to the 94 Calls to Action.
The Bishop’s Collaborative for Right Relations will create opportunities throughout the year to build connections and empower one another to advocate for the fulfillment of the 94 Calls to Action. Join us, engage the resources attached, reach out, and be strengthened as you pursue justice guided by the Holy Spirit.
With gratitude, Reverend Leigh Kern (she/they)