Sitting in circles

Reconciliation – it’s a big word and an even bigger idea to put into practice. It’s made even more difficult because there is no one size fits all recipe – a good next step for reconciliation can depend on where you’re located, where you feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction, and the gifts that God has given you.

At the Canadian National Gathering in May of 2023 delegates from across Canada sat together in talking circles to discern these various ingredients. A key area of emphasis throughout the gathering was the Hearts Exchanged program and the work of reconciliation with Indigenous brothers and sisters. These circles were modeled after Indigenous style talking circles used throughout the Hearts Exchanged program.

During talking circles at the gathering, the facilitators led with a question. Individuals were then invited to pass a stone talking piece around the circle, and only speak when holding it. Participants were encouraged to give their own answers to the question at hand rather than responding to other speakers’ contributions. By doing this space was created for each voice and perspective. “Everyone is front row. Everyone is seen. It is intimate and public at the same time. Your story, you, your thoughts and feelings, are the sacred in the centre. And you handle the sacred with confidentiality to ensure safety for all,” says Adrian Jacobs, CRC Senior Leader for Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation.

In a video they created after the event, participants from Classis Niagara reflected, “we came together for a heart-changing conversation.” They specifically noted the posture of openness and graciousness throughout the gathering. And this type of reflection was not limited to those in Eastern Canada. In a reflection for their church on Indigenous Ministry Sunday, Anita Struyk and Lucy Roseboom from Terrace CRC in B.C. noted that their conversations led them to be challenged to see the Indigenous people who are present in their own congregation and listen to them in good ways.

The circle from Classis Quinte responded to their learning at the National Gathering by taking the step of hosting the Christian Indigenous band Broken Walls at Maranatha CRC in Belleville, Ont. Band leader Jonathan Maracle is a member of the Tyendinaga Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, but the band had never held a concert there. The Quinte circle fundraised and solicited sponsorships in order for the band to perform in their home region.

You can read stories and watch videos of the lectures given at the gathering here.