We can learn from Indigenous creation stories: Canadian bishops

The creation stories of Indigenous peoples can teach us that God created the Earth as a beautiful place with purpose, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops say in a Message for the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous People. 

The day is marked each year on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Celebrated since 2002, it is coordinated by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, which also prepares the annual message.

This year’s observance is focused on the theme “Healing of the Earth.”

The council reminds the faithful that they are “called to live in solidarity with all peoples” and “to respect, protect, defend and nurture the oneness of all of God’s Creation.”

The message looks to the creation stories of Indigenous peoples around the world, stories that teach us that God created the Earth as a beautiful place with purpose.

“God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to lead us in the way of healing and restore relationship with God, other peoples, and all creation,” the message continues, pointing to the Lord’s use of and interaction with created things.

“Jesus was in full relationship with all things of creation.”

Citing Jesuit Father Rigobert Minani Bihuzo, the message says that “the Church is called to strengthen its teaching about the Earth as a gift from God.” We are called not only to be good stewards, it says, but also to bring healing to relationships.

The message recalls Pope Francis’ teaching on “ecological conversion,” which requires respect for individual and collective human rights. “People of faith are to advocate for peoples whose way of life depends on the land, and are to defend the rights of persons who are victims of exploitation.”

In the face of “the very real threats to our ecology and way of life,” the message says, “we must come together as one human family.”

The CCCB message concludes with an expression of gratitude: “We recognize the benevolence of the Creator, who has provided us with the gifts of the Earth, water, fire, and air. We are grateful for all He has provided. We express our gratitude through our lives of prayer, song, dance, story, ceremony, and ritual.”