This weekend we marked the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, a day calling Canadians to remember the tragic legacy and impact of residential schools for generations of indigenous peoples, to support the healing and restoration of their lives and communities in the present, and to affirm our commitment to working towards restored trust, respect, and reconciliation in the days to come. As Christians in the Diocese of Fredericton, we have a particular calling to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in relation to all these things, which includes real repentance for our Church's role in the damage done, as well as actively embodying the Living God's compassion and love for our indigenous neighbours. We acknowledge that the diocese conducts its activities on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wabanaki people, which includes the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, and Peskotomuhkati nations. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship,” entered into with the British Crown in the 1700s, to establish an ongoing relationship of peace, friendship, and mutual respect. And in particular, we humbly pray for God's mercy and healing. Here is a prayer to help us do this, entitled Remembering the Children, shared by the Anglican Church of Canada: God of our Ancestors, who holds the spirits of our grandmothers and grandfathers and the spirits of our grandchildren, Remembering the Children, we now pledge ourselves to speak the Truth, and with our hearts and our souls to act upon the Truth we have heard of the injustices lived, of the sufferings inflicted, of the tears cried, of the misguided intentions imposed, and of the power of prejudice and racism which were allowed to smother the sounds and laughter of the forgotten children. Hear our cries of lament for what was allowed to happen, and for what will never be. In speaking and hearing and acting upon the Truth may we as individuals and as a nation meet the hope of a new beginning. Great Creator God who desires that all creation live in harmony and peace, Remembering the Children we dare to dream of a Path of Reconciliation where apology from the heart leads to healing of the heart and the chance of restoring the circle, where justice walks with all, where respect leads to true partnership, where the power to change comes from each heart. Hear our prayer of hope, and guide this country of Canada on a new and different path. Amen Our service of Morning Prayer, Bulletin, & Sermon this week can be found here: And our Songs for this week can be found here:
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Rev. RObRev. Rob serves as the Priest-in-Charge at St. Luke's Gondola Point, and as the School Chaplain at Rothesay Netherwood School Archives
November 2024
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