Article Added On: March 01, 2009 - over 2 years ago
Title: Prelates seek elders' council on enhancing native spirituality
Original URL: http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2009/0302/elders030209.shtml
Author: RAMON GONZALEZ
Publication: WESTERN CATHOLIC REPORTER
Publication Date: March 02, 2009 - over 2 years ago
Faith Groups: Roman Catholic, Native Spirituality
Themes: Religion and society, religious attitudes in Canada, other

Abstract: The Western bishops are examining how to become more effective in providing the services of the Church to First Nations, Metis and Innu Catholics.

EDMONTON — The Western bishops are examining how to become more effective in providing the services of the Church to First Nations, Metis and Innu Catholics.

Two years ago the assembly of bishops established a standing committee on the issue.

“Right now we are trying to find ways to dialogue with the native people,” said Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan, president of the Western Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The standing committee on aboriginal ministry is looking for ways to begin a dialogue with elders to see what they look for from the Church, Bohan said in an interview.

It would also like to see how aboriginal culture and spirituality can be reflected in the life of the Church so native people feel a part of the Church, he said.

One goal of the conference is to recruit more native priests. “We have very few (but) we would like to have dozens more,” Bohan laughed.

Another goal — provided native people are interested — “would be to establish courses at Newman College in Edmonton and other educational institutes, where we could try to get a chair of native studies, for example, or a course in native spirituality.”