Catholic Church must educate members on TRC calls to action: Dene National chief
Bill Erasmus says church's role goes beyond official response and into educating members of congregation
CBC News Posted: Apr 02, 2016 1:41 PM CT
Last Updated: Apr 02, 2016 1:41 PM CT
The Dene Nation's national chief is calling on the Catholic Church to take time during Sunday services this week to explain their response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
Earlier this week, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said that they rejected 15th century documents and laws that justify the seizure of land from indigenous peoples.
In their response to Call to Action 48 — which asks all faith groups in Canada to formally adopt and comply with the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — they also publicly supported the UN declaration.
But Bill Erasmus, the national chief of the Dene Nation, says that the church needs to make clear to its congregation what exactly that response entails.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/dene-national-chief-responds-to-catholic-church-1.3518144
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/reconciliation-catholic-church-northwest-territories-1.3516445
