Here is the introduction that you will see in our newsletter ...
"This June 11th. our Prime Minister is bringing a long-awaited for apology for the abuse our First Peoples suffered in Residential Schools. For many years our hearts have been broken by the terrible stories we have heard concerning the residential schools. As Christian leaders we commend our government leaders and want to join in asking forgiveness of all First Peoples, especially those who were abused, from those who called themselves Christians. We are praying that this act of repentance would have a great effect toward full healing of our Canada's First Peoples. Rather than only our government reading a well prepared document, we are asking you to agree online with this step of reconciliation. We are praying that many citizens of Canada would participate and help to send a healing message to the First Peoples and our Prime Minister that the citizens of this great nation agree with the heart of this apology. We believe that this action could be pivotal for the advancement of our nation and for the ongoing spreading of the gospel. Please pray for this apology and for how it is received by our First Peoples. Join us in signing the accompanying apology and send it along to as many as possible." Here's the wording of the official apology ...
Dear fellow Canadians,
For many years our hearts have been broken by the terrible stories we have heard concerning the residential schools. The Governments of the day took children from their aboriginal families and entrusted their teaching and care to Christians of various churches. The idea was wrong in conception and in practice. We should not have agreed to it.
In many cases they did not receive the love and care of Jesus but gross abuse and violation. We are horrified and deeply ashamed thatthose who had a sacred trust defamed the name of Jesus and linked Him with such behaviour by their actions. The government today is acknowledging the failure of government authority to properly care for aborignal children and their families and is seeking forgiveness. As Christian leaders we commend our government leaders and join in asking forgiveness of all First Peoples, especially those who were abused, for the behaviour of those who called themselves Christians. St. John the Apostle set the standard for Christians when he said,"Whoever claims to live in Him (Jesus) must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 1:6) This standard has come to judge the Christian community. We acknowledge our corporate failure and join with other Christians who have acknowledged this terrible wrong asked forgiveness. May the Lord Jesus, the Head of the Church, show us forgiveness and give us grace to heal greater than the sins which caused the wounding. Sincerely, the undersigned. If you are ready to sign it please go to this link. http://www.petitiononline.com/nhop01/petition.html
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