The Doctrine of Discovery: The Episcopal Church, Indigenous Peoples, and the Necessity of Decolonizing Christianity

Presentation and Discussion with The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton

To prepare for our screening and panel of Covenant of the Salmon People, The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton will be presenting a forum on the Doctrine of Discovery, including how it impacted the Nez Perce tribe.

The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton is Shackan First Nation, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett, and Vice President of the House of Deputies of The General Convention. The Doctrine of Discovery historically informed the legal premise for justifying the forces of colonialism, including the enslavement of African and Asian peoples as well as the oppression and genocide of indigenous peoples. Taber-Hamilton will share the historical development of the Doctrine of Discovery, the historical role of the Church, and real-world contemporary examples of its continuing impact. The Doctrine of Discovery remains embedded in the legal policies of the U.S. and colonized nations throughout the world, policies that maintain the theological, political, and legal justification for continued neo-colonialism, including the seizure of land, genocide, oppression, and racism.

The Episcopal Church National Convention in 2009 formally renounced the doctrine and urged dioceses’ reflection and action. Come learn the history, impacts, and current influences of the Doctrine of Discovery as a social force in our Church, in our nation, and in our world. Learn about transformative changes that are empowering Indigenous people in the Episcopal Church.

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