Documents on Reconciliation

A collection of documents relating to reconciliation in Canada between the Church and Indigenous people.

Joint ecumenical letter from the CCCB to Prime Minister Trudeau (April 27, 2018)

The President of the CCCB, Bishop Lionel Gendron, P.S.S., has signed a joint ecumenical letter recently sent to the Prime Minister of Canada and to the leaders of the parties in opposition in support of Private Member’s Bill C-262, entitled “An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”. The Bill is sponsored by Mr. Romeo Saganash, an NDP Member of Parliament representing the Quebec riding of Abitibi – Baie-James – Nunavik – Eeyou. The Bill is currently in Second Reading and has now been referred to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs for review.

The seven other signatories represent The Anglican Church of Canada, Christian Reformed Church in North America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Mennonite Church Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and The United Church of Canada.

Information regarding a motion coming before Parliment (April 16, 2018)

The  document is intended to provide some context on the overall issue of the Catholic Church and the operation of the former Indian Residential Schools and also to clarify a number of inaccuracies which are being circulated or reported.

Letter of the CCCB President to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada (March 27, 2018)

The letter indicates that Pope Francis, after carefully considering Call to Action # 58 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and discussing the matter extensively with the Bishops of Canada, felt he could not personally respond.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (2015)

In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission makes the following calls to action.