News and Updates from the Committee
New video on treaty learning and the proposed AB curriculum
The Being Good relations Network invites you to have a look at this recording of a rich discussion with Dr Pat Makokis and educator Hayley Christen, focused on taking action on Treaty understandings, and how current AB curriculum plans undermine those understandings. There is much we can do, from continuing to refuse to let the government off the hook, to thinking about how we all learn about and support Treaty relationships, all the year long. Dr Pat offers us truth and hope through her Treaty education series and the Treaty walks she has organised. Click here for the video.
Beyond our Borders: Ecumenical Church Leaders Call for Permanent Ceasefire
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Four church leaders have jointly issued a statement supporting the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and urging a permanent ceasefire.
The statement is signed by The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator, The United Church of Canada; The Most Rev. Anne Germond, Acting-Primate, Anglican Church of Canada; The Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls, Moderator, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and Rev. Susan C. Johnson, National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
“As Christian leaders, since October 7, 2023, we have repeatedly called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, for the immediate and safe release of all captives, humanitarian aid for Gazans, and the safe return of Gazans to their homes and neighbourhoods,” the leaders write. “We also express our deepest concern that occupation forces and illegal settlers are escalating violence against Palestinian refugee camps, farmers, orchards, homes and lands in the West Bank. Only when the occupation of all Palestinian territories ends can genuine peace be realized.”
Read the full article here.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), conflict is worsening, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. According to the UNHCR, 400,000 people have been displaced this year alone, adding to the 4.6 million already seeking refuge in North and South Kivu. To date, at least 900 people have lost their lives and the figures are expected to increase.
As people flee, some find refuge over the border in neighboring Uganda. The UNHCR Refugee Arrival Monitoring Dashboard reports that Uganda receives a daily average of 270 refugees from DRC since January 1, 2025.
During this crisis, the Global Partnership team at The United Church of Canada is centring its response on global partners. Last week, ACT Alliance members ( https://actalliance.org/ ) issued a Call for Increased Support, given the rising violence and death tolls. As a member of ACT Alliance, The United Church of Canada is accompanying Église du Christ au Congo (ECC)—a Mission and Service partner—who are providing food, shelter, clean water, and mental health support to affected communities. ECC, a member of ACT Alliance, is also responding through the current ACT Alliance Appeal – CEA241.
The ACT Alliance Appeal raises funds to support displaced people, particularly women and children in the DRC. The Global Partnership team asks for you to pray for the people and partners who are in the midst of this crisis, and to donate through the Global Emergency Response Fund.
Pray also for the Congolese-Canadian members of the United Church across Canada who may have family and friends who are vulnerable to the conflict.
