Truth, Healing and Reconciliation | Grace Presbyterian Church

Community Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Updates - Dec 21, 2022

Creating Safer Spaces at Grace

When red paint was splattered on the doors of 10 churches in Calgary—including Grace Presbyterian Church—it was shocking and eye-opening. The act took place in the early morninghours of July 1, 2021, following announcements of unmarked graves of Indigenous children onthe grounds of former Residential Schools. The red paint forced many of us to view the churchthrough new eyes, seeing it as an institution born from and shaped by a Euro-centric colonial culture that caused devastating loss—of land, culture, relationships and, heartbreakingly, of thousands of children. Churches could not hide...

Grace in the News – Red Paint Painted Over and an Evolving Journey of Truth, Healing and Reconciliation

Grace appeared in the news on and around Sunday, September 25, for the Red Paint Painted Over Ceremony and Prayer - and the ongoing journey of Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. The media has shown great interest in this story, since July 1, 2021. Coverage appeared through CTV Calgary, The Calgary Herald, and CBC. Please find the news stories with links below: Calgary Herald - Beltline church repaints doors but says truth and reconciliation action not overCTV News Calgary - Calgary church will repaint its doors following consultation with Indigenous communitiesCBC (while coverage appeared...

Red Paint Update: Truth, Healing and Reconciliation journey at Grace continues

Dear Friends, At approximately 2:00 a.m. on the morning of Monday August 29, the red paint on the two sets of front doors of Grace were painted over with tan paint by unknown people (the sandstone and stained-glass windows were not impacted). Grace is working with the Calgary Police Service to investigate. Grace's Session met on Monday, August 29 and made the decision that the east doors of Grace's building will be repainted, to the cream colour they have been, starting on Sunday, September 25 following worship. The painting will be accompanied by a gathering of prayer and ceremony...

Truth, Healing and Reconciliation - Jun 29, 2022

Next Steps regarding the Red Paint

Nathan Meguinis, the Indigenous artist contracted to develop conceptual drawings for the murals on the front doors, provided an updated set of drawings. The Ad Hoc Committee for Truth, Healing and Reconcili-Action will be sharing these with the Session at its next regular meeting on July 14, along with recommendations for moving forward. Please keep the Session in your prayers as they discern and decide next steps regarding the red paint.

Truth, Healing and Reconciliation - Jun 22, 2022

Celebrating Indigenous Christian Iconography

Submitted by Mark Duriuex Few people know the rich history and spirituality of indigenous Christian iconography — even within Christian churches. Iconography for indigenous peoples is often called a lost art form. The old-new tradition is making a comeback to preserve, tell, and celebrate their original tales. The profound symbolism of indigenous Christians goes back thousands of years. Some symbols draw inspiration from pre-Christian sources. Symbols for the people Many symbols used in indigenous Christian iconography are intended to help preserve their stories, history, and identity....

Conversations about Truth, Healing & Reconcili-Action at Grace and the Mural Project

The Ad Hoc Committee for Truth, Healing and Reconcili-Action invites you to join in informal conversations in the Lounge after worship on Sundays, on May 15 and May 22. During these times, you will be provided a very brief introduction and then given the opportunity to share your thoughts and ask questions as we hear from each other about how God is calling us to respond in light of the red paint on Grace’s doors and the Church’s history with Indigenous peoples. Additional opportunities for conversations are being planned for June 5 and 12. These will be posted on the website...

Resources: Doctrine of Discovery Lecture and Indigenous Lenten Series

Please find resources for the Doctrine of Discovery Online Lecture, led by Rev. Mark Tremblay, with a Smudge conducted by Indigenous Elder Rev. John Snow Jr. You can also find a link to the Indigenous Lenten Series. Selected bibliographyLenten Study Poster Heschel, hosted on Zoom by Knox Presbyterian ChurchIndigenous Lenten Series, facilitated by Tony Snow, Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region, United Church of Canada and John Snow, Indigenous Minister, Pacific Mountains Region, United Church of...

From Red Paint to Truth, Healing and Reconcili-action

https://youtu.be/FD985bxEdAM On Sunday, September 26, Grace took first steps on a path towards truth, healing and reconci-action by holding a community event on the steps of the church. View the highlights reel of the event. Grace was grateful for the sharing of: Tony Snow, Indigenous Lead Hillhurst United Church and Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region, United Church of CanadaGloria Snow, Stoney Nakoda Student Minister, studying in the Masters of Divinity Program at the Vancouver School of TheologyShirley Shingoose Dufour, Elder, Social Worker, Residential School Survivor, Member of...