I love this idea, especially for denominations that were involved in direct appropriation of land and abuse/proselytization of Indigenous individuals. A concern, however, is that many of the newer denominations consider themselves as standing apart from direct involvement in colonization violence, where in truth, most have benefitted from the use of land on unceded territory.
While, as you said, many churches have complicated ownership (including mortgages), at the very least, a significant tithe can be set aside and donated to support Indigenous initiatives in their area. Something that supports both the Indigenous peoples in their area, and also the goal of community-building that has been so much a part of churches over the last century. THAT is a legacy that can be celebrated in this way.
Hi Laura, thanks for commenting. You identify an important point, that denominations who have not had an historic tie to legacies like residential schools have a harder time seeing themselves as a part of the colonial project, and therefore are less motivated to seek this kind of reparative change. Interestingly enough I have been finding appetite and energy for these conversations among just those types of churches. And, as you also point out, there are many ways to participate in repair including a tithe, or, as I argue elsewhere, the possibility of working toward what property tax would be if churches were not tax exempt, but paying that to the nation whose land the church is on. Also, churches that are launching into joint redevelopment projects with Indigenous nations who are looking to work together in caring for the neighbourhood or community, but as full partners together in the project. There are many opportunities for creative ways to reimagine our ways of living together.
I love this idea, especially for denominations that were involved in direct appropriation of land and abuse/proselytization of Indigenous individuals. A concern, however, is that many of the newer denominations consider themselves as standing apart from direct involvement in colonization violence, where in truth, most have benefitted from the use of land on unceded territory.
While, as you said, many churches have complicated ownership (including mortgages), at the very least, a significant tithe can be set aside and donated to support Indigenous initiatives in their area. Something that supports both the Indigenous peoples in their area, and also the goal of community-building that has been so much a part of churches over the last century. THAT is a legacy that can be celebrated in this way.
Hi Laura, thanks for commenting. You identify an important point, that denominations who have not had an historic tie to legacies like residential schools have a harder time seeing themselves as a part of the colonial project, and therefore are less motivated to seek this kind of reparative change. Interestingly enough I have been finding appetite and energy for these conversations among just those types of churches. And, as you also point out, there are many ways to participate in repair including a tithe, or, as I argue elsewhere, the possibility of working toward what property tax would be if churches were not tax exempt, but paying that to the nation whose land the church is on. Also, churches that are launching into joint redevelopment projects with Indigenous nations who are looking to work together in caring for the neighbourhood or community, but as full partners together in the project. There are many opportunities for creative ways to reimagine our ways of living together.