Truth and Reconciliation – Apology

Non harming involves a call to witness, and the healing work of building respectful, compassionate, and loving relationships means we must be willing to look back unflinchingly at the past, accepting responsibility and apologizing where necessary/helpful. 

Below, an example of  truth and reconciliation in action, in a 1991 apology to Native people in Juneau, Alaska: 

JUNEAU – One by one, clergy-men took to the pulpit to solemnly apologize for their churches’ past wrongs against Alaska’s Indians, Aleuts and Eskimos and ask the Native congregation for forgiveness.   In the 200 years since missionaries brought Christianity to Alaska, “we have responded with fear, suspicion, arrogance, hostility and a patronizing attitude that treats your people like children,” said the Rev. Larry Olson, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church.  “I pray for your forgiveness for our sins against your people.” Natives expressed their gratitude for the apologies by clergy from Juneau’s Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Russian Orthodox and Presbyterian churches, and summoned up the pain they endure from lingering prejudice against their rich cultures. The two-hour service at the Northern Light United Church on Wednesday night was officiated by Father John Hascall, an Ojibwa medicine man and Catholic priest from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., known for his Indian healing ceremonies. “I don’t want you to feel sorry for us,” Hascall told the congregation of 200 indigenous Alaskans. “I want you to look at us as Native people, as people of sovereign nations, which we are. As people of high morals. As people of high respect. As people who want to be equal.

http://www.geocities.com/alaskanativebaskets/Church.Apology.Spirit.html - original source cited: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 1-2, 1991