A Statement on the Legacy of the Residential School System

by Timothy Teuscher

A few weeks ago, the devastating and heartbreaking news spread across Canada and throughout the world of the discovery of the remains of 215 children in unmarked graves at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. What was revealed in Kamloops is not unique; many more indigenous children and their families suffered greatly as a result of the residential schools which were operated by various church denominations with support from the Canadian government.

We—the pastors, deacons and congregations of Lutheran Church–Canada—lament the tragic death of these children, and the devastation the residential school system has caused to so many indigenous families and communities. We acknowledge the grief, anger, and trauma that still prevails among many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people as a result. And we lament that these atrocities were committed in the name of Christ, and yet are completely contrary to the work and teaching of Christ who suffered and gave His life for every sinner “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages“ (Revelation 7:9) and who has commanded through His apostles that those who bear His holy name by virtue of their baptism are to “do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10).

As President of Lutheran Church–Canada, I ask that our church family across the country call upon our gracious and merciful Father in heaven in prayer: that He would bestow the comfort and peace and healing of Christ upon our indigenous sisters and brothers who have been traumatized and impacted by the legacy of the residential school system; and that would He instil in us all the desire to seek opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those who suffer.

I encourage our congregations to regularly remember in prayer the ongoing pain and devastation which indigenous peoples in Canada experience as a result of the residential school system, either with the following prayer or another:

Heavenly Father, You know the legacy of pain which continues to impact Canada’s indigenous people as a result of the residential school system. Be with all who grieve. Be with all who suffer. Grant comfort, peace, and the healing of Christ to our indigenous brothers and sisters. And move us all to share the love of Jesus with those who live in the legacy of the residential school system. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

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Rev. Timothy Teuscher is President of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC).

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