Last month, Pope Francis came to Canada and expressed regret for the Roman Catholic Church’s part in running notoriously abusive residential schools for Indigenous children, which operated between 1880 and 1996. “I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples,” the pope said. Canada’s own government has previously Read more
Pope Francis’ “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada began with an impassioned apology, setting the scene for the 6-day pilgrimage. The apology is only a first step towards reconciliation. The pilgrimage began Monday, July 25. The first act on the Canadian “penitential pilgrimage,” was the return of two pairs of children’s moccasins on 25 July. “I am Read more
The Catholic Church seems to be tripping over itself to avoid issuing a clear and definitive apology for the church’s role in Canada’s residential schools after the remains of 215 children were reportedly discovered outside a Catholic-run school in Kamloops. While concerns about liability may be a factor, one significant barrier is theological. In traditional Read more
Late last year, fashion designer Trelise Cooper was accused of perpetrating “colonial violence in floral polyester.” Cooper had named a tiered dress with a trailing hem: “Trail of Tiers.” Unfortunately, that sounds a lot like Trail of Tears, a series of forced death marches Native American tribes were sent on by the US Government between Read more
Leaders of an Arkansas church are apologizing for a controversial message that was on the church’s marquee and offended members of the community. The sign outside Apostolic Faith Church in Springdale, Arkansas, recently read, “Heaven has strict immigration laws, hell has open borders,” Read more
A delegation from the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand has apologised to Māori for its roll in ancestral land being lost to the Crown 151 years ago. The apology took place on the former site of the Otamataha Pā in the Bay of plenty on Saturday, December 1. The church’s apology centres on a Read more
A man who broke into a Connecticut church and stole about $4,000 worth of electronics apparently felt enough remorse to leave an apology note. Members of the congregation told WVIT-TV he also left a note that said, “Pray 4 Me!! Sorry brothers. Save me,” and drew a little sad face. Continue reading
A kid can pick up some handy information in Catholic school. The words to heartening songs. An understanding that human worth is inherent, unyoked to public accolades. The power of service over the power of self-gratification. A kid can pick up some not-so-handy information in Catholic school, too, but let’s save that discussion for another Read more
The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) has issued an apology to the Archdiocese of St Louis and two of its priests, Father Joseph Jiang and the late Mgr Joseph D. Pins. SNAP admitted allegations against the priests were false. Read more
An Irish nun is seeking an apology from the Catholic Church for its treatment of women. Sr Eileen Lenihan’s call came in Limerick at the first diocesan synod to be held in Ireland in 50 years. Sr Lenihan said: “The apology that is being called for, perhaps it needs to come from the Church, radically Read more