2007 World Conference Legislation

G-10 Extension of Native American (First Peoples) Ministry (motion carried as amended)

From the South America Mission Center:

Whereas, For many years the Community of Christ has been involved in Native American (First Peoples) ministry in the USA and Canada; and

Whereas, The current implementation of ministries with Native Americans (First Peoples) is centered only in the USA/Canada; and

Whereas, Geographically, the term “America” includes the entire hemisphere, not only the United States/Canada; and

Whereas, There are hundreds of First Peoples in Mexico, Central America, and South America who have been baptized as well as not-yet-baptized participants of the Community of Christ; and

Whereas, In parts of South America the term “Indian” is used in a very negative way and is considered to be an insult, and could also refer to someone whose origin is the subcontinent of India; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Community of Christ expand its ministries to the native First Peoples of America, to include all those people of America of indigenous origin; and be it further

Resolved, That members of the Community of Christ be counseled to use care in their use of the term “Indian” when referring either formally or informally to indigenous Native Americans (First Peoples).