Archdiocese of Regina – August 27, 2025
A new document from the Roman Catholic–Evangelical Dialogue in Canada invites Catholics and Evangelicals to take deeper steps toward healing and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
The article, Roman Catholic–Evangelical Dialogue Proposes Path to Building Relationships Towards Indigenous Reconciliation, is the fruit of nearly three years of mutual learning and reflection. Co-sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Dialogue has been meeting since 2011. Its most recent work has focused on Indigenous reconciliation and the legacy of residential schools.
Over the course of two and a half years, participants gathered twice a year to study the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report, listen to Indigenous voices, and engage in theological reflection on inculturation, contextualization, and the shared Christian responsibility for reconciliation.
The Dialogue emphasized that reconciliation cannot be rushed. “We’ve got to pursue right relationships if we want to get to reconciliation. Let’s not rush to reconciliation. Let’s work on establishing right relationships.” Glenn Smith, one of the Evangelical participants, noted.
Similarly, Aurélie Caldwell of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, reminded members that “Truth will not be expressed well or received well unless there is trust. And then reconciliation can happen. But reconciliation comes at the end of the whole process.”
For the Archdiocese of Regina, the Dialogue also represents the dedicated work of Dr. Brett Salkeld, Archdiocesan Theologian, who, as its longest-serving member, has been part of the Dialogue since its beginnings. He stressed that listening deeply and ensuring people feel heard is foundational to reconciliation: “You can’t get anywhere until people feel heard,” Salkeld explained. Reflecting on visits to Indigenous communities across the country, adding, “When I look back, the things in my memory are those people. I can picture their faces and remember the feeling in the room as they were speaking.”
Salkeld highlighted the impact of the Dialogue on the participants themselves. “In public perception, the residential schools are much more a Catholic problem. It was good for Catholics to see what it looks like in the Evangelical world, that the fallout from colonialism is not selective. Any representative of Christianity has to deal with the fallout from that. It was also beneficial for Evangelicals to recognize that it’s part of their heritage. That was important.”
The report emphasizes the need for concrete actions beyond apologies, while also affirming that reconciliation is a shared Christian responsibility. Members acknowledged the scandal of Christian division, stressing that unity is essential for a genuine Gospel witness.
The faithful are encouraged to read and share the full article, which represents not only an important ecumenical step forward but also a hopeful sign of Christians working together in humility, prayer, and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples on the path of healing.
The full text can be accessed through this link.
Le texte complet est accessible via ce lien.
