IRSRC - Churches

Churches

Former students of Anglican-run schools, Presbyterian-run schools, Lejac Indian Residential School and the Spanish Indian residential schools with valid claims receive 100% per cent compensation without delay due to the federal government's agreement with the following church entities:

The Roman Episcopal Corporation of Prince Rupert
Government of Canada/The Roman Episcopal Corporation of Prince Rupert Agreement (pdf)

Jesuits of Upper Canada, the Daughters of Mary, and the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie.
Government of Canada/Jesuits of Upper Canada Agreement (pdf)

Anglican Church of Canada
Government of Canada/Anglican Church Agreement (pdf)

Presbyterian Church in Canada
Government of Canada/Presbyterian Church Agreement (pdf)

Canada/Anglican Church Agreement

Michael Peers, Anglican Church Archbishop
"Such a settlement, we have hoped, would ensure that what money is available would be directed completely toward settlement of validated claims... and no longer toward litigation."

"With the support of our dioceses and our members across Canada, we can return to our primary occupation and vocation, serving God and God’s world in ministries of hope, of healing and reconciliation and of compassion."

"The idea that large dioceses which never had anything to do with schools would simply stand by and see other bodies within the life of the church fold up is not who we are as a church."

"I have sat in healing circles and heard the painful stories of abuse. By entering into this agreement, we are saying that we have heard those stories, that we acknowledge our tragic part in them, and that we will take up our new role not only in addressing the abuses of the past, but in seeking a new and life giving way of living together as native and non native Canadians, in the church and in society."

Reverend Canon Fraser Lawton, Anglican Church Regional Dean in Fort McMurray
"Certainly it (the agreement between the church and GOC) gives some stability, I suppose."

Don Byrt, Archdeacon from the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon
"Those who have negotiated the agreement on our behalf have a sense this is a good agreement for the whole church."

Fred Hiltz, Bishop for the Anglican parishes in PEI and Nova Scotia
" We have a moral obligation as a church .... to act together, that’s the bottom line."

"It will be tough to find those resources. But I believe the will to find that (money) will be there."

"It’s about healing, it’s about justice and it’s about reconciliation, about the very things which we speak of in our literature, about the very things we as Christians say we’re committed to."

Susan Barclay, Keewatin diocese treasurer.
"Many of our parishes are small but the Anglicans in this diocese are dedicated and I believe that we will meet this challenge together."

Rev. David Ashdown, Keewatin Bishop
"This settlement will allow us to be the church again and focus our ministry and resources to healing."

"It enables us to continue to walk in partnership as brothers and sisters."

Archdeacon Jim Boyles, General Secretary
"This agreement in principle with the government is of critical importance. It signals willingness and commitment by the Government and the Church to respond to the legacy of residential school abuse in a way that is responsible, just, and humane for survivors."

"It (the agreement-in-principle) will also demonstrate that principled resolution can be achieved in an environment of mutual co operation and respect."

"While the proposal, if ratified, entails hardships for General Synod and the dioceses, the Officers of General Synod believe it would allow Anglican entities to participate in compensation for validated abuse claims without threatening the future viability of the national Church and its dioceses."

Canada/Presbyterian Church Agreement

Rev. Stephen Kendall, Principal Clerk, Presbyterian Church
"We’re very pleased to have reached this agreement, we can move forward seeing that former students in Presbyterian residential schools that have valid claims will receive compensation."

"We are very glad that through this agreement, compensation will reach these survivors, many of whom have waited a long time to have their cases considered".

David Jennings, Convener of Assembly Council
"This agreement should not be seen as "ending the matter" but rather as another step on the path of reconciliation with people who have been hurt by the Church's past actions and yet honouring the good work done by so many people faithful to the Church's calling."

"By removing the Church from the litigation activities surrounding residential schools, this agreement allows the Church to do what is should always do: model repentance, reconciliation and grace."

Rev. Mark Lewis, Moderator Presbyterian Church
"The agreement of December 12 reflects a good and faithful response to a heart rending concern."

"The agreement provides credible compensation, real opportunities for healing and restoration, a ground work for ongoing ministry with aboriginal people and an alternate resolution process which will allow valid claimants to tell their story in the hearing of the church."

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