Rostered Ministers Gathering

The Rev. Joel Xavier

Get prepared to observe the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools in your local context. Participants will learn the history of Indian Boarding Schools and the role played by Christian churches and ELCA Lutheran predecessor bodies. We will introduce the work of the ELCA Truth-seeking and Truth-telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools and ways in which rostered leaders and members of the congregations they serve can engage with the efforts of this group. We will discuss the work of the ELCA Archives to document the history of the Bethany Indian Mission and School in Wittenberg, Wis., operated by the Norwegian Lutheran Church. We will also engage in small-group discussion about the historical relationship you and your community may have to Indian Boarding Schools and share meaningful ways to observe the National Day of Remembrance (Sept. 30).

Note: The nature of this work may elicit emotional responses. We want to honor your experience and invite you to care for yourself as needed. This work also calls for confidentiality and care regarding the stories of boarding school survivors and their families.

2 hours