A Common Vision and Dream

 During worship yesterday we heard that United Church congregations across the country, including Trenton UC,  had voted in favour of supporting the development of an autonomous entity for Indigenous communities of faith with a historical connection with the UCC. This decision was reached through what we term a remit, a referendum of sorts that requires at least half of all UCC congregations (not just half of those that vote) to make a decision on substantial change for denominational policy. 

Our United Church history with Indigenous peoples is a long one, stretching back more than 200 years, before our denomination was formed by a union of the Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists. In a colonial worldview the goal was to "save the Indian heathens" without any respect for aboriginal spirituality or life on the land. The ghastly result was the United Church complicity in the Residential School system which took children from their families and were actually institutions of indoctrination and cultural genocide. Hundreds and perhaps thousands of Indigenous children died in these places and tens of thousands were scarred for life. 

Through the decades the United Church repented of these destructive, racist practices that were antithetical to the gospel of Jesus Christ through public apologies. Indigenous congregations were recognized as more than missions in a patriarchal system. Eventually the UCC changed its crest to reflect inclusion of and respect for Indigenous members. This included the "all my relations" phrase in Mohawk, and the colours of the four directions. 

 Then in 1988 the All Native Circle was formed with more than 30 congregations joining, including some from urban ministries. Some Indigenous congregations chose to remain as part of the Conferences they were part of for a variety of reasons. 

The remit is in an important progression in our UCC commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and I'm grateful that congregations across the country have chosen overwhelmingly to support it. Here is the United Church General Council news release and the response from the National Indigenous Council. 

Published On: April 9, 2024

Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization has passed. The National Indigenous Council, 16 regional councils, and 80% of pastoral charges in The United Church of Canada participated in the vote on Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization.  

In response, the National Indigenous Council shares their vision statement with the whole church. They offer words of thanks for all who have brought the church to this moment, and state their commitment to moving forward together on the path of Right Relations.

Statement from the National Indigenous Council on the Results of Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization

We, the National Indigenous Council, are a diverse group of Indigenous Peoples, rooted in distinct innate values and wisdom. We:

• carry a common vision and dream
• respect everyone’s story
• care for one another
• uphold community
• build positive relationships.

We thank our Ancestors and All Our Relations who have brought us to this moment. 

We are all spirit first. 

The work of Right Relations continues. 

We commit to moving forward together in a good way.