This morning I head to Montreal for a weekend of helping United Theological College mark the completion of its Designated Lay Ministry Residential program. Another poignant few days in a week marked by countless and varied 85th anniversary celebrations for The United Church of Canada. It's been heart-warming to see hundreds of visitors at the General Council Office (from throughout the church) at the big Open House on June 10th, to hear good words about the history and witness of our church, not only from one another, but from ecumenical and interfaith partners both in Canada and throughout the world.

Some of our history calls for lament and repentance.

On Monday I will be in Winnipeg with our Residential Schools Steering Committee in meetings leading up to our participation in the first National Consultation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada from June 16 to 19, 2010.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is part of a comprehensive response to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools as set out in the Residential Schools’ Settlement Agreement reached in May 2006. The Commission is mandated to look at activities within residential schools, as well as the impacts of the schools’ stated aim to assimilate Aboriginal children. The National Consultation in Winnipeg will be an opportunity for survivors of residential schools, their families and communities, church members, people of faith, and other concerned Canadians to gather for truth telling, learning and reflection, artistic expression, remembering and commemorating, healing, repenting, and reconciling. 
 

Church members across Canada are praying for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its work, as am I. Your prayers and participation are important - no matter when or how, be it  this weekend, next week, or in the weeks and months to come as the Commission undertakes its lengthy and important work.

This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in God's healing of soul and community.

For liturgical resources please visit www.united-church.ca/communications/news/general/100604. More information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Consultation in Winnipeg can be found at www.trc.ca.

How are you participating in the healing of soul, community and creation, as you also recognize the 85th anniversary of The United Church of Canada?