A one – page statement outlining the denomination’s stance on Aboriginal spiritual practices was released in February. It draws on the church’s 1994 Confession to Aboriginal Peoples, Living Faith, and a conversation circle that worked on a theological framework for Aboriginal spirituality for the 2013 General Assembly.
Through its participation in the residential school system, the church “contributed to the banning” of indigenous spiritual practices and must “continue in humility to learn the deep significance of these practices and to respect them and the Aboriginal elders who are the keepers of their traditional sacred truths,” the statement says.
Traditional practices, such as smudging, “are received as gifts and serve to enrich our congregations” when they are shared by Aboriginal elders, members or visitors.
Rev. Margaret Mullin, minister at Place of Hope Presbyterian in Winnipeg, said she wished the statement went further to “clearly state that the Church affirms that it is an acceptable practice to bring traditional Aboriginal teachings and ceremonies into ‘The Church.'”
“After 15 years of teaching and gradually introducing the sacred Aboriginal wisdom teachings and ceremonies in the context of Christian worship, some of the members of Place of Hope Presbyterian Church are still under the belief that to follow Jesus they must forsake all else,” she said. “These are Christian Aboriginal people, members of the PCC, who are reluctant, and even afraid, to participate in any of the traditional Aboriginal practices because of their historical belief.”
Yet, she said, the statement opens the way for conversation, “gives leeway for self determination, and it highlights that the Church must be a community where all are respected and valued.”
The statement was put together with input from members of Justice Ministries, the principal clerk and Moderator of the General Assembly, and members of the church’s native ministries.
