The Pope’s apology for residential schools. That’s what’s on my mind today.

It’s especially present as I prepare my Torah reading for Shabbat. “Destroy their false gods. Or they’ll forever be a thorn in your side.” So says the book of Numbers (33:55).

Conquest: A Cautionary Tale

The Torah is a blend of story and history. So, it’s possible the brutal conquest of Canaan happened. But it’s also possible that it didn’t.

The conquest story might just be part of a long, cautionary tale. A parable about human nature, politics, and empire. If you start your life in the land with conquest, then you’ll always live in violence. Over time, your society will become corrupt. And, if you don’t change, you too will fall.

The government of Canada, in its quest for the land’s resources, did set out to destroy the Indigenous peoples. Canada did not understand, for example, that Indigenous people were traditional stewards of the land. That local Indigenous knowledge of the land reflected millennia of sustainable living. Canada did violence to both the land and its peoples. And now it is obvious: the land’s systems are disrupted. And if we don’t change, we will fall. (See, for example, the work of Dr. Randy Woodley.)

The Pope’s Apology in Context

Four Canadian Christian denominations worked with the government. Specifically, these churches set out to destroy the “false gods” of the Indigenous peoples. One of their tools was residential schools.

The United Church of Canada apologized for residential schools in 1986 and 1998. Next, the Anglican Church apologized in 1993. Both churches now work in partnership w/Indigenous people. Then, the Presbyterian Church confessed and asked forgiveness in 1994. It followed up with several specific apologies.

The Catholic Church is the last to apologize—in 2022. Read the text of Pope Francis’s apology. In it, the Pope admits the church was wrong. And he says his words are only the beginning of a long process.

An Indigenous Catholic Responds to the Apology

I’m sure you know that I teach at the Vancouver School of Theology, a progressive Christian seminary. There, I am blessed to teach and learn with Indigenous leaders. So, here I share some of my colleagues’ responses to the Pope’s apology. I just offer excerpts, but I have linked to their full media interviews.

Catholic Deacon Rennie Nahanee (Squamish Nation) is the Indigenous Ministry Coordinator for the Vancouver archdiocese. He already believes that Canada’s Catholic leaders want a good relationship with Indigenous people. So, the Pope’s apology makes him feel “elated.” But, he adds, “that’s only the start. How is the church going to make amends?” (North Shore News)

An Indigenous Anglican Responds to the Apology

Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred (Cree) is an Anglican and an Evangelical. He is also the Director of Indigenous Studies at VST. He says, “This apology affirms that Indigenous people were right to fight for their culture. It is a sign of hope, of a beginning of healing. And it is legitimate to criticize it for not going far enough. Apology requires amends, not just powerful words from a powerful position in a powerful tradition.” (Global News. Ray speaks at 3:41 in the video.)

Two Indigenous United Church Leaders Respond

Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne (Heiltsuk First Nation) is the Moderator of the United Church of Canada. The Catholic Church, she says, should formally renounce the Doctrine of Discovery. Good intentions are good. But they are not enough. Issues of justice demand quick action. The United Church sets a good example. It did act quickly in response to demands from its Indigenous members. (Toronto Star)

Rev. Tony Snow (Stoney Nakoda) is the United Church of Canada Indigenous Minister for the Chinook Region. The apology, he says, is technically appropriate. It meets the requirements of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action item #58. But now, to implement the apology, much needs to be done. Road maps to institutional change are available. The work of the United Church models a good direction. (CBC Calgary Eyeopener)

Reflections on Apology

Jewish teaching on apology echoes these Indigenous voices. Philosopher Moses Maimonides says apology is a five-step process. First, recognize that you did wrong. Second, feel bad about it, so you are motivated to reach out. Third, seek forgiveness from the relevant person. Fourth, understand what reparation they need, and then make it directly to them. Fifth, do not repeat the harm.

Maimonides speaks of individuals, but societies can do the five steps, too. Community members learn about history. They become aware of harm done. Leaders confirm what the community says. They ask for forgiveness. Then, they work in partnership with those wronged. Together, they change relationships and systems. Then, it becomes possible to move forward together without harm. This is part of what we mean by “Reconciliation.”

Of course, leaders alone cannot change a society. Everyone has to learn and change together. How, for example, might small religious communities participate in Reconciliation? Even non-Christian ones? If you are curious, please do check out this free e-book, Spirit of Reconciliation: A Multi-faith Resource.

Image: Vatican media