The Canadian Bishops' Conference says it remains “committed to the path of solidarity” with Indigenous peoples as Canada marks the second anniversary of Pope Francis' historic “penitential pilgrimage” of healing and reconciliation.
By Christopher Wells
Two years after Pope Francis' historic “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada, the country's bishops say they “remain committed to standing in solidarity and listening to the experiences of indigenous peoples to point the way forward.”
In a letter addressed to “the people of God,” the bishops say they continue to reflect “on the deep sadness expressed by Pope Francis at the devastating impact of the residential school system on indigenous communities and on the path of reconciliation and healing that we have embarked on together.”
Initiatives for reconciliation and healing
The bishops also highlight some initiatives that the Church in Canada has taken since the Pope's visit.
The first goal is to provide financial support for indigenous issues. The bishops have committed to raising 30 million Canadian dollars over five years for projects that promote healing and reconciliation. More than half of this amount has already been raised. The funds will go to initiatives launched by local indigenous communities and managed by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund.
The bishops have also committed to “transparent access” to mission, sacramental and burial records, as well as other documents. “Pope Francis stressed the importance of uncovering and acknowledging the truth about the historical injustices faced by residential school survivors and their families,” the bishops say, adding: “The truth must come before reconciliation.”
In closing, the bishops acknowledged “the many difficult conversations taking place across the country about our painful legacy.” Recognizing that “this deep desire for truth and transparency exists first and foremost among Indigenous communities and residential school survivors,” the bishops encourage dioceses and all Catholics to support local Indigenous communities in addressing the painful history of residential schools.
The path of reconciliation and hope
At the end of their letter, the bishops recall Pope Francis’ appeal to the Church in Canada to take “decisive action” and to “irreversibly commit to the new path we are taking with the indigenous peoples of Canada.”
“The path of reconciliation and hope must be walked together,” say the bishops. “That is why we will continue to listen to and support survivors and indigenous communities on this path.”
The full text of the bishops’ letter can be found on the Canadian Bishops’ Conference website.