Thread by @GregErlandson

Now Bishop James Wall will be asking for support for a new formal statement and comprehensive vision for Native American and Alaska Native ministry. #USCCB21
A summit of indigenous leaders asked for such a pastoral plan.

A national pastoral plan would help in promoting Catholic native ministry, Wall said. Some concerns include reconciliation of the history of church-run boarding schools that is now troubling British Columbia but also has a dark record in the U.S. #USCCB21

In discussion, Bishop Hebda urged concern for Native Americans outside of reservations, saying there is great poverty for Native Americans in urban settings. #USCCB21 Wall said more native Americans live in urban settings than on reservations.

Bishops like Etienne, Hebda, Warfel all speak from their experiences pastoring native Americans and Alaskan natives. It is clear that there these communities have great material and pastoral needs. #USCCB21

Bishop Biegler of Wyoming says we need to have a greater understanding of the history of the native peoples. #USCCB21

Bp Clark, aux of L.A., said Los Angeles may have the second largest community of native Americans in the United States and he is familiar with their challenges. #USCCB21

Bishop Olmsted says Covid had a terrible impact on native peoples in Arizona. He asked for special care and fostering of vocations among young native Americans. #USCCB21

It was an impressive number of bishops who spoke to the motion and who minister to native Americans. Now the proposal will be voted on and the voting results will be reported tomorrow. #USCCB21