Reconciliation isn’t abstract. It’s about who gets to speak. Who gets to lead. Who feels like they belong.
Deepening Our Engagement
A 1-minute version of the video is available on YouTube. Consider linking to it from your church website, e-newsletter, or social media.
Prayer
God of justice and mercy,
you tell us to welcome all,
yet we often fail to follow your teachings.
We know who’s absent.
We know who’s not yet heard.
We know the damage done by systems of exclusion.
Give us the courage to lead, the humility to withdraw, and the power to listen.
Let our church be a place where justice is not only sworn but also lived.
Amen, we pray in your name.
Congregational Responses
At national meetings, some committees of The United Church of Canada use 6 Equity Aspirations, which have been developed within the church. These aspirations are points for self-reflection as well as for committees to consider during conversations and decision-making processes: Remember to…
- Question biases
- Challenge assumptions
- Notice who's missing
- Value all voices
- Aim for equity
- Live out our commitments
...as we live out God’s call.
Matthew says that we need to notice who’s missing. Noting what people and identities might be missing is also an invitation to consider what perspectives might be missing in a conversation or community. How might your community respond to this idea of missing voices or perspectives? What might you do in response?
The missing voices are sometimes Indigenous and racialized ones. Matthew explains that responding to this is not just about offering a land acknowledgement or a one-time workshop. There are many ways that communities of faith and individuals can work towards Indigenous justice.
To discover ways to integrate Indigenous justice into worship and community life and to take action, review this website and consider what your community of faith could do in response.
Credits
- Prayer: Matthew Tyhurst
- Congregational responses: Adele Halliday
Get these resources plus worship prompts and children’s activities in one free downloadable zip file by registering on CHURCHx.