June 27, 2021 Sunday Sermon Address from Pastor Jenni

How do we say it? We knew it was coming: further disclosure of the unmarked graves of Indigenous children at Residential Schools across Canada. 215 graves in Kamloops, now 751 in the Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan. And we know this is not the final number. 

We have heard it be said, not all 751 will be children – maybe a handful will be staff who worked there - but oh my God – we, Canadian settlers, by our actions, our ignorance and our apathy have the blood of innocent children, and the devastating heartbreak and broken identity of thousands of children, families and communities, on our hands. Christ, have mercy. 

      Our Indigenous brothers, sisters and siblings have been telling us this for decades and we CHOSE NOT TO LISTEN. Authorities thinking our actions would lie silent in the ground along with the children. Ask any Indigenous person who is connected to their culture – the ancestors will not stay silent forever. Their voices and their message will be heard. And thanks be to God, they are being heard now. Siblings in Christ, do all you can to hear their voices, in your heart and in this country we have been proud to call home. 

      Last week I preached for National Indigenous World Day of Prayer. Many of you have reached out, with your heart ache, your considerations, and requests for a way to hear that sermon again – including the 1993 Apology from Archbishop Michael Peers on behalf of the Anglican Church. An Audio version of the sermon is on our website (the worship page) and also on our Facebook page. If you would like a paper copy, just ask.

      The time is tender. There is so much healing to happen in this country and in the hearts of so many. If you are feeling raw from this gutting revelation – know you are not alone. 

     Let us pray.

God almighty, creator of heaven and earth – of all that is seen and unseen, guide us forward as a people. Forgive our trespasses. Thank you for every single time that you received, and receive, one of your beloved Indigenous children in your arms. You brought them home when we discarded them as worthless. You heard their weeping, dried their tears when we caused them. You loved them when we as a country and in the name of YOUR church abused them. Christ, have mercy. Forgive us for soiling YOUR Church and your people. Make us strong in love for the days to come…  Amen.

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To read the official text of Archibishop Michael Peers' 1993 apology on behalf of the Anglican Church, click HERE