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“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Fourth Sunday of Lent invites us to reflect on reconciliation—not as an abstract ideal but as a lived reality. St. Paul reminds us that reconciliation is at the heart of God’s work in the world. Through Christ, God has made peace with us, and now we are called to carry forward this ministry of healing and renewal.

This year, the Cathedral’s Trustees have discerned that Lent is an opportunity to renew our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. As a national church, we have been named in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action. Specifically, Call to Action #46 calls on all parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement—including the Anglican Church of Canada—to develop and sign a Covenant of Reconciliation. This has yet to be done.

But reconciliation is more than signing a document. It is about transforming relationships—between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, between the Church and those it has harmed, and between each of us and the land we share. Wise voices in our church have reminded us that reconciliation is not a destination but a way of being in relationship.

To shape our Lenten discipline, we turn to a framework developed by Kerry Baisley, the former Indigenous Justice Coordinator for the Diocese of New Westminster, that is aligned with the reconciliation processes of the national church. These four commitments will guide our work:

Learning History – Truth Comes Before Reconciliation

The past is not past—it continues to shape the present. Reconciliation begins with truth-telling, and truth-telling begins with knowing our history.

For too long, the history of colonization, the Indian Residential School system, and the forced displacement of Indigenous peoples have been ignored or distorted. The Anglican Church played an active role in these injustices. This Lent, we commit to learning and remembering—not just in our minds but in our hearts.

  • What do we know about the history of the land on which we live and worship?
  • What was the Church’s role in that history?
  • What ongoing impacts do Indigenous communities experience today?

Learning is an act of faithfulness. It prepares us to listen with humility.

Listening to Experiences – Humility and Presence

Reconciliation is not about speaking; it is about listening. True listening requires setting aside our assumptions, our defensiveness, and our need to justify or explain. It means receiving the truth as it is given, without trying to reshape it to fit our comfort.

The stories of Residential School survivors, Indigenous elders, and young leaders today offer us a sacred gift. When we listen with humility, we honour the dignity of those who have suffered and those who continue to seek justice.

  • Whose voices do we need to hear?
  • How do we create space for Indigenous perspectives in our worship, learning, and leadership?
  • How does listening change us?

Building Relationships – Walking Together in Trust and Respect

Reconciliation is not a task to be completed; it is a relationship to be nurtured. This means moving beyond symbolic gestures into genuine, reciprocal relationships.

For too long, the Church’s relationship with Indigenous peoples has been one of harm and control. Healing requires a different posture—one of mutuality, trust, and respect. Building relationships means showing up, being present, and being accountable.

  • How can we build meaningful relationships with Indigenous neighbours, organizations, and communities?
  • What does it mean to walk alongside rather than take the lead?
  • Where is God calling us to show up?

Relationships take time. They also require commitment—especially when the work is uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Being Good Ancestors – A Legacy of Justice and Healing

Reconciliation is not just about us. It is about those who come after us.

As Indigenous elders often remind us, our actions today will be judged by the impact they have on future generations. Will we leave behind a legacy of justice, healing, and right relationship? Or will we pass on the same broken patterns of harm and indifference?

  • What kind of ancestors do we want to be?
  • How do we ensure that our reconciliation efforts are more than performative?
  • What commitments will we make that will outlast us?

Being good ancestors means making reconciliation a way of life—not just for this Lent, but for the years to come.

A Lenten Discipline of Reconciliation

Lent is a season of self-examination, repentance, and transformation. As we journey toward Easter, we ask: How is God calling us to change regarding reconciliation with Indigenous people?

Reconciliation is not a quick fix. It is the long, patient work of love. This Lent, let us take up the discipline of learning, listening, building relationships, and becoming good ancestors. Let us take seriously the work we have left undone. Let us be faithful in the ministry of reconciliation, entrusted to us by Christ. We can begin by praying this prayer each day this week.

A Prayer for Reconciliation

God of truth and justice,
You have called us to walk the path of reconciliation.
Give us the humility to learn,
The courage to listen,
The grace to build relationships of trust,
And the wisdom to be good ancestors.
May our actions today bear the fruit of justice and healing
For generations to come.
Through Jesus Christ, our guide and our peace. Amen.

Lenten Blessings, 

Dean Chris