Social Ministry fall 2015 learning circle – week three
It was a quiet day at CCS today. All the students have gone home. Staff dragged themselves in to debrief the three weeks that made up the Social Ministry fall learning circle.
The focus of this final week of the learning circle was Truth and Reconciliation. Students wrestled with the legacy of Indian Residential School and the implications of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, both personally and for the church.
The first day was heavy, with a viewing of the film “We Were Children” and a discussion of the nature of apology. Tuesday was about connecting the dots, understanding the intersections of mission, colonialism, empire, racism, land, power, violence and abuse, incarceration, and child welfare. On the third day, students went on a reflection walk around The Forks (a historic meeting place of cultures in Winnipeg’s downtown) and took part in the KAIROS “blanket exercise.” Thursday was a day for students to review their learnings from the past three weeks and offer affirmation and encouragement to each other as they continue to grow in ministry.
Safe travel, students, and we look forward to seeing you in person again in the spring.
Comments: 3
Thank you for exploring the legacy of residential schools and the implications of the TRC in your social ministry circle. I hope each student will facilitate the Blanket Exercise in their home community, and find a way to recognize the 30th anniversary of the 1986 apology sometime in 2016. Perhaps you can take a pilgrimage to a residential school site as we respond the World Council of Churches call to a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, as another step in the journey of reconciliation. Blessings on your learning and ministries. Cecile Fausak, Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator, General Council Office, UCC
Hi Ceclle! So nice to have you “drop in on us.” Really appreciate your interest and support. The entire circle was fabulous. I will be facilitating a blanket exercise here in Kamloops early next month!
Keep in touch, Ian
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