Sept. 24, 2026 - Orange Shirt Day

This week it’s Orange Shirt Sunday when we will observe the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We will remember and honour Indigenous children take from their families and communities and placed in residential schools.

In 1986, the United Church of Canada formally apologized for its participation in the suppression of Indigenous culture and spirituality, for how it confused imposing western culture and ideals for sharing the Gospel message. In 1998, the church apologized specifically for its role in the residential school system. Forty years later, our apology is not a moment in history but a promise we continue to learn live as a church seeking to follow Jesus.

Our apology requires humility. Not simply expressing regret but acknowledging our wrongs and seeking to learn from those that we presumed that we needed to teach. Paul in Philippians 2:1-13 describes Christ as one who refused to cling to status and power. This is true humility. Not simply being nice church folk but acknowledging privilege and letting go of power and certainty.

The Christianity of colonialism with its distorted understanding of the Gospel believed it knew best. Cherokee teacher Randy Woodley teaches us that embracing Indigenous wisdom can show us that we are part of creation not its centre. Perhaps this is the beginning of reconciliation: having the humility to listen, to learn, and to recognize we do not have all the answers.

I hope to see you on Sunday. You are invited to wear orange in solidarity with residential school survivors.

William Brook