History today.... The Church's involvement in residential schools.
The recent discovery of the remains of 215 First Nation children in a mass unmarked grave on the ground of the former Kamloops residential school, has sent shock waves throughout Canada.
It is a disturbing part of Canadian history that is difficult to look at, and yet it is so important that we not look away. The Presbyterian Church in Canada played a role in running eleven residential schools spanning almost nine decades from the mid- 1800s until 1969. In 1925 the majority of these schools were transferred to the United Church. The Presbyterian Church oversaw the remaining two schools - two too many - until 1969 when the schools were transferred to the Federal Government.
At Amberlea, we so often talk about family, the faith of generations, and legacy - and my heart aches to think of how the lives of generations have been so horrifically affected by Christians who undoubtedly believed they were furthering Christ’s kingdom.
In 1994 the Presbyterian Church in Canada publicly repented, and we, as a denomination continue to seek truth and reconciliation.
As more truths of our marred history are unearthed it is important for us to look, listen and seek to understand. To that end, I have attached a few resources regarding the involvement of the Presbyterian Church in residential schools. As you read it, would you join me in praying.
Let’s not look away as we would want to do instinctually, but instead let us pray for God’s children; for the families who lost their loved ones, never to be seen again. Let’s pray for those families who are facing again the pain and suffering of that loss. This is history today.
And please pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness over the Canadian Church.
I believe it is also important for us to ask, what can we do at Amberlea? How can we be a part of the change? How can we be a part of finding true reconciliation?
May the Lord bless you and keep you as we together mourn, together learn, together listen, and together become the Light of Christ in these dark days.
https://presbyterianarchives.ca/2018/08/17/narrative-history/