Hopes and Dreams for the Canadian National Gathering

In 2023 the Christian Reformed churches in Canada will host a fourth Canadian National Gathering. The gathering is intended to draw representatives of the community together to discern what the Spirit is saying to the church.  

Following the 2019 gathering there was agreement that the next national gathering should focus on justice and reconciliation themes as an important aspect of the church’s gospel call in this place called Canada. With this in mind, the 2023 gathering will focus on interconnectedness creating space for relationships of belonging and inclusion flowing out of Hearts Exchanged, an 8-month learning journey centered on themes of Indigenous justice and reconciliation.. Over 400 people from classes across Canada have already participated in Hearts Exchanged.  

Hear what Indigenous leaders (who are part of the planning team) hope and dream for this time together:  

Shannon Perez (Sayisi Dene First Nation , Director of the Indigenous Family Center)

• A legacy of colonialism means all Canadians have missed out on the beauty, perspectives and teachings that Indigenous ways of being bring. I hope the gathering is a showplace for how necessary it is to have equity for Indigenous leadership and how vibrant our theology and relationships can be when everyone belongs. 

Harold Roscher (Plains Cree, Director of the Edmonton Native Healing Center) 

• A favourite Cree word of mine is Tawâw which means “there is room.” The CNG is one of those moments where we can share and explore our spiritual, mental, physical and emotional connection with those within the CRC circle of churches.

Marlene Wolters (Tsʼil Kaz Koh or Burns Lake First Nation, Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee Member)

• In 2019 I attended the Canadian National Gathering in Edmonton.  It was profoundly impacting for me personally and I can guarantee that should you attend this one you also will be impacted.  Your journey with Christ will deepen, your understanding of yourself will deepen.    

Classes are in the process of inviting four participants each (two from Classis Lake Superior) to attend the 2023 Canadian National Gathering. Hearts Exchanged participants and others who wish to attend the event are encouraged to speak with leaders from their classis to be considered for nomination. Additional questions can be directed to [email protected]