The Canadian Council of Anabaptist Leaders (CCAL) presented a statement of reconciliation at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission event that took place in Edmonton, March 27–30, 2014
A reflection from Willy Reimer, CCMBC’s executive director
Attending the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a sobering experience. Listening to residential school survivors share their stories of abuse was deeply moving and troubling. I identified with their stories on a personal level due to my own abusive background but their stories of being ripped from their homes and then abused emotionally, spiritually, physically and sexually by those who were to represent Jesus to them was disturbing at the deepest level. I was encouraged by the testimonies of forgiveness and renewal given by some. I was also embarrassed that these activities were initiated by our Canadian government and that society at large allowed our representatives to take such action against a people group.
