By the Rev. Caroline Carson, UTO Province II Representative

Recently, the UTO Board received a day of Doctrine of Discovery (DoD) training, sponsored by The Episcopal Church. Our teacher was the Rev. Paul Sneve, archdeacon in the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota. It is vital that we continue educating ourselves in areas such as this, so that we may be sensitive and aware of how varied cultures within our local communities, country, and around the world have been affected by colonization and colonialism. DoD training is part of The Episcopal Church’s framework for anti-racism and racial reconciliation training in the church. It affects us in many ways, including an historical impact, which influences our liturgy and worship; the activities we do and promote, which influence our respectful communications with groups of different makeup and background; and our didactical methods, which influence how and why we teach certain principles and/or how we include the information and materials we do. It’s also about healing and the relationships with those of European immigrant descent. 

The Episcopal Church led the way as the first Christian body to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery through an act of General Convention in 2009. Here is former Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s letter on the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery.  Check this link for more details about the canons surrounding the mandates and requirements.

So, what exactly is the Doctrine of Discovery?

“The Doctrine of Discovery provided that, by law and divine intention, European Christian countries gained power and legal rights over indigenous non-Christian peoples immediately upon their “discovery” by Europeans. To benefit their own countries, various European monarchs and their legal systems developed this principle, which has become institutionalized in law and policy, at national and international levels.”

From Eleventh session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Discussion on Monday, 7 May 2012

Why should we know about it?

Well, honestly, it gives us a lens through which we need to look. It gives a foundational understanding of how European colonization was legitimized, leading to the dispossession of Indigenous lands and the ongoing struggles for Native American rights today. There are ongoing legal disputes regarding Indigenous sovereignty and land ownership across the globe. This issue reveals the historical basis for systemic injustices against Indigenous peoples that are quite relevant today. We are in this life together, as one human family. All of us should have a voice that is heard and not silenced….that is not thought of as less valued. Whether we agree or disagree, we do not have to disregard and dishonor one another.

Being centered on gratitude, we in the UTO Board help and guide others to value and celebrate each other and the gifts, talents, and ideas that we bring or need. We provide a foundational habit of being grateful, not only for gifts and talents, but life itself. Just as the tiniest and most annoying insect on the planet has the biotic right to exist and to stand for its own survival, we, too, as humans, each have the primary rights codified by the United Nations as follows: “Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.”

The Rev. Sneve gave us a fantastic discussion and many examples of how Indigenous peoples have been adversely affected by the DoD. He is a sensitive, brilliant, and convivial man. We each received a certificate of completion after the training.

Learn more about The Episcopal Church’s racial reconciliation training and resources here.