“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:14
A message from our Saskatchewan Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the 215 young lives lost following the recent discovery of a mass grave on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land, the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, BC.
To honour and remember the 215 Indigenous children SKMB leadership is asking member churches to commit to praying for the Indigenous community in Canada June 14 – 18.
We recognize that this discovery will bring up direct and intergenerational trauma for Indigenous students, individuals, families, and communities. The trauma of residential schools runs deep in our nation and the pain is real and ever-present, not just historical.
We call all members of the SKMB community to listen, to learn, to lament, and to prayer for the restoration and reconciliation that is found in Jesus Christ. We yearn for the Kingdom where “justice [will] roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24) and humbly urge followers of Jesus Christ to work towards reconciliation in our nation.
We do not want to let this be a story that we let fade from our minds in a matter of days. We need to go beyond symbols to action. Reach out to your Indigenous friends and family. Offer support through prayer or a listening ear that is ready to truly listen and hear.
MCCS responding to residential schools
