Building Relationships: Living into the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery

Audience

Overview

This session provides an overview of the Doctrine of Discovery and its historical and ongoing social impact, while exploring why ELCA Lutherans have repudiated this doctrine and are seeking ways to build relationships with Indigenous communities. Presenters will share their efforts to face historical truths while creating space for healthy dialogue, cultural sensitivity, and mutual accompaniment with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Northern Minnesota. They will also discuss their contributions to resolutions and initiatives that the ELCA is undertaking regionally and nationally, including its Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery and its support of Together Here Ministries. Drawing on examples from the ELCA, the session invites participants from all faiths and worldviews to consider what it means to move beyond repudiation as a statement toward ongoing practices of relationship, learning, and action.

Speakers: Rev. Amy Odgren and Deacon Colleen Bernu