11/04/2024
The United Church of Canada marks with deep respect the passing of The Honourable Murray Sinclair. We give thanks for his life, for his service to Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, and for the challenge he put to Canada as a whole.
Senator Sinclair was dedicated to achieving justice for Indigenous peoples. He did this as a mentor, as a lawyer and judge, and as the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. It was as Commissioner that The United Church of Canada knew him best. He pushed us to tell the truth, and to act with integrity in the TRC process. In so doing, he helped to shape the vision of the reconciling and anti-racist church that we aspire to be.
As Commissioner, he heard many difficult things. This must have been a heavy load, even for a man with such broad shoulders. He also spoke very clearly and directly of the obligations that Canada, the churches, and other institutions owe to those we have harmed, and continue to harm. He was encouraging of the difficult work of reconciliation, saying most notably, “We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.”
As Murray Sinclair now journeys back to the Creator, we send prayers for him, his children, and all his family. We include in those prayers our intention, as individuals and as a church, to continue the path he has marked out for us.
[Photo credit: Sara Stratton]
The Honorable Murray Sinclair
