WCC NEWS: Prof. Anne Pattel-Gray urges: “include ancient wisdom and knowledge of First Nations people”

During the World Council of Churches (WCC) Indigenous People’s Pre-Assembly, Prof. Anne Pattel-Gray shared the reflections below. Prof. Anne Pattel-Gray, participant of the WCC Indigenous People’s Pre-Assembly. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC 30 August 2022 What spoke to you during this pre-assembly?  Prof. Pattel-Gray: The importance of recognising Indigenous people speaks to the integrity of the WCC to ensure a continuing platform for the voices of First Nations People—to not only be heard but to also participate, and to have the opportunity to share our theological views and social-political struggles with each other.  What is the main message Indigenous people will carry to the assembly? Prof. Pattel-Gray: The message from the Indigenous peoples to the WCC 11th Assembly is to make clear how imperative it is to the WCC’s integrity and salvation to fully resource a solely dedicated Indigenous Desk in the WCC so we can collaborate and coordinate with all other WCC desks. It is critical—more than ever—that our Indigenous theological perspective is embraced in every aspect of the WCC.  Would you like to comment on the Indigenous contribution to solutions to the climate crisis?  Prof. Pattel-Gray: The solutions to the growing concern of global climate change must include the ancient wisdom and knowledge of First Nations people as we have and continue to live with the whole of creation since time began. This is a resource that has not been recognised or embraced. The healing of creation must come through the First Nations people. Indigenous people from all over the globe bring a rich insight and theological perspective that have not been given the respect and credit that they should. We hold an ancient knowledge and relationship with the Creator that the western churches need to listen to.  What are your hopes and prayers for the assembly? Prof. Pattel-Gray: That the WCC assembly recognises the importance of Indigenous peoples’ participation, and values them, and that the assembly ensures the independence and longevity of an Indigenous Desk. Indigenous Peoples Pre-Assembly WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland