June 2nd, 2021Indigenous-Settler Relations launches Be it Resolved Challenge
Nationwide initiative to spur new commitments and resolutions to Indigenous justice
This June Indigenous-Settler Relations is launching the Be it Resolved Challenge, a nationwide initiative encouraging Mennonite Church Canada members and congregations to create and commit to new resolutions for Indigenous justice.
Challenge participants receive a free copy of the anthology Be it Resolved: Anabaptists and Partner Coalitions Advocate for Indigenous Justice, 1966 – 2020 and commit to reading and reflecting on portions the book, along with other suggested readings, from July to August 2021.
“Last week's devastating news of 215 lost children found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School reminds us that the need for action is imperative,” says Steve Heinrichs, director of Indigenous-Settler Relations.
“We invite members of our Mennonite Church Canada family to reflect on the profound commitments that our community of faith has made to Indigenous justice over the last 50 years and to respond, in turn, with our very own resolutions.”
Participants will attend two virtual meetings in fall 2021 to share what they have learned from the readings and the commitments and resolutions they want to make. Examples of resolutions might be:
- to take a first step in one’s learning journey by centering Indigenous authors in one’s reading;
- to follow up a church resolution on treaties, the Doctrine of Discovery or on racism and help it along;
- to craft a song of justice and prayer of lament that helps the church worship in these lands;
- to link arms with Indigenous groups in members’ communities seeking to address long-standing inequities.
“Through a prayerful reading of these largely forgotten church covenants, spurred on by the bold witness of the past, we may be moved, beyond our fears, to make our own promises ‘to do right,’” says Heinrichs. “In so doing, we will not only grow in what some call ‘political holiness,’ but we will also help the larger Body put flesh on many good words that long to become deeds.”
Participants will gather for a final time on June 21, 2022 (National Indigenous Peoples Day), to share updates on their resolutions. Indigenous Settler-Relations will also present the resolutions at Gathering 2022 in Edmonton, Alta.
To register for the Be it Resolved Challenge visit mennonitechurch.ca/be-it-resolved
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