The General Synod is moving ahead to hire a consultant for government relations, as suggested by the national Financial Management and Development Committee last fall. We have conducted some research both with active Anglicans and with the Canadian public at large. There is very broad awareness, although details are not well known. Some question whether all the abuse claims are valid, but proven cases of physical and sexual abuse are taken very seriously. There is a strong desire for the church to be part of genuine healing efforts, and a willingness to support these.
Members see the church's responsibility for healing and reconciliation as a spiritual imperative.
Legal implications and consequences are less important than faithfulness to the gospel. There is a concern to ensure the church accepts its responsibilities and, along with this, a belief the government should do more to accept its own responsibility. A national poll conducted by the Angus Reid group again found very broad awareness of the residential schools issues among the Canadian public. Eighty percent said they are aware of the issue. Sixty percent believe all Canadians share responsibility for helping Aboriginal Canadians who suffered abuse as children in the residential schools.