These issues will remain when the file is closed on residential schools. In 1969 we made a commitment to journey with our indigenous brothers and sisters. That commitment has been reaffirmed several times, and we continue to stand by it. Nonetheless, it is a challenge to maintain a strong partnership under the strain of court actions. There is an opportunity for native and non-native people in local communities to reach out to one another, engaging more deeply in dialogue, listening to each other's stories, hearing the hurts and sadness, joining in prayer, in actions of healing and in steps towards justice.
Local churches can stimulate such initiatives.
We are concerned about the quality and cost of justice as administered by our courts. Obviously, it is awkward for us to criticize a system in which we are so deeply involved. At the same time, the Bible has much to say about justice as the restoration of right relationship. Our recent experience has taught us much about the ways in which the courts, in seeking justice, pit one side against another, fostering and highlighting differences, contributing to the breaking of community, encouraging aggressiveness, confrontation, formality and cold logic, and discouraging reconciliation. We believe the Canadian justice system has an essential role which it performs conscientiously.