Reflect on the Truth

The Jesuit Relations have long served as a reliable primary source for early North American historiography.  Many scholars have relied upon this source to understand North American history, not just Church history.  Perhaps it is time to stimulate a fresh flurry of academic research and discussion about the early Indigenous Christian communities? From a Church and Reconciliation perspective, how does the Jesuit missionary model for evangelization through patient inculturation of the Gospel contrast with later examples that have caused pain and scandal (such as residential schools), and what can be learned from all of this from a pastoral perspective? How can the example of the Martyrs and those who voluntarily accepted Christ inform and perhaps challenge our understanding of present day mainstream narratives about “Early Contact?” 

Possible initiatives might include:

• Academic Conferences at Catholic Universities, to stimulate interest and funding for the study of the Martyrs and early Indigenous Christian communities. These might cover a broad multi-disciplinary approach to the Martyrs (historical, literary, musical, theological, etc.)

• Thematic Content for existing Truth and Reconciliation activities and circles

• Martyrs-focused Content for Pastoral Formation and Catholic Educators