01/19/2026
In these times of injustice, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and our own baptismal covenant call us to action: to join in the work of creating a just society. Beloved Community Initiative, a mission of the Diocese of Iowa, exists to equip and support this work. In that spirit, we are excited to offer "Examining the Doctrine of Discovery."
This learning module is designed to be used by congregations or other groups and combines individual study materials with group discussion guides into five, 45-minute sessions. It is available for download at the link below; we encourage all parishes to consider hosting a study group.
What is the Doctrine of Discovery?
The Doctrine of Discovery is a set of 15th century Papal Bulls (edicts) that gave Christian European monarchs religious and legal justification to claim lands inhabited by indigenous people and to "reduce their persons to perpetual slavery." These edicts laid the foundation for colonialism, indigenous genocide, and the slave trade. The Doctrine of Discovery has influenced laws and policies impacting People of Color for centuries and continues to be relevant today.
"We need all of you. And you know what's beautiful tome, is to see all of these ministers of the Gospel. It's a marvelous picture. Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longings and aspirations of the people more than the preacher? Somehow the preacher must be an Amos, and say, 'Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.'"
"Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation."
-Excerpts from "I've been to the mountaintop," delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. at Mason Temple in Memphis, TN, on April 3, 1968. He was assassinated the next day.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
-Baptismal Covenant, Book of Common Prayer
Resource found here: https://becomingbelovedcommunity.org/telling-the-truth
