BY BRIAN FRANCIS
GUEST OPINION
I write in relation to the recent refusal of Pope Francis to apologize for the role of the Catholic Church in the Indian residential schools. The tragedy of residential schools is now well known in this country and this region. What is equally well known is the role of the Catholic Church in not only the schools, but the abuses suffered by Indigenous children who were forced to attend the schools.
As a First Nation leader, I know the people in my community who were victims of the abuse and the tragic and debilitating effect it had on their lives. I am also painfully aware of the hardship and hurt suffered by the children, grandchildren and families of the survivors - the legacy of the schools.
The refusal of Pope Francis to formally apologize for the role of the church is shocking and unacceptable. I am a lifelong Catholic, it is how I was raised and I continue to attend mass every Sunday; I embrace my faith.
Speaking out against the actions of the Pope is not something I undertake lightly, but I also cannot stand by and watch a re-victimization of my community members who suffered in the residential school in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, by the institute of the church.
I am devout in my beliefs and my spirituality and I am proud of my Christian heritage. However, the institute of the Catholic church through its hierarchy failed my community members when the school was in operation, and it has done so again by not recognizing the harm done and taking responsibility for it.
Leaders must be strong. As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis must have the strength and conviction to do what is right and issue a formal apology for the role of the church in the damage caused. True reconciliation demands nothing less.
As a Catholic I call upon the Pope to accept his duty to promote healing.
- Brian Francis is the Chief of the Abegweit First Nation and the co-chair of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I.
