Beginning with the Papal Bulls of the 15th century, the Doctrine of Discovery gave Christian explorers the right to claim lands they “discovered” and lay claim to those lands for their Christian Monarchs. Any land that was not inhabited by Christians was available to be “discovered”, claimed, and exploited.
“Ours [Britain's] is a deeply entrenched culture of exclusive land possession, of privilege and poverty, begun with the Norman land grabs and legitimised by a 500-year system that spread from these shores and would go on to change the physical and psychological landscape of the world.”
— Rob Cowen, Common Ground
“The stories we tell about who we are as a nation, and the values that define us, are not fixed. They change as facts change. They change as the balance of power in society changes. Which is why regular people, not just governments, need to be active participants in this process of retelling and reimagining our collective stories, symbols, and histories.”
— Naomi Klein, On Fire: The Case for the Green New Deal
“A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe.”
— Wayne Dyer
“It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation. Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, "Wait on time.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
Resources, Links, and Articles
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Dismantling the Doctrine Resource list:
Access a list of books, faith statements, international statements, videos, and policy issues that explores the Doctrine of Discovery.
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Article:
Catholic bishop of Syracuse decries Doctrine of Discovery, suggests pope do the same
(RNS) — Bishop Douglas J. Lucia said he hopes to meet with the Vatican to discuss a series of 15th-century papal proclamations used by European Christians to rationalize the subjugation of Indigenous peoples. -
Music:
Residential School Song (Indian Boarding School Song)
YouTube link to a song by Cheryl Bear. Released in 2007.
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Link:
View a fact sheet on the Doctrine of Discovery.
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United Methodist Position:
The 2016 General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted Resolution #3331 on the Doctrine of Discovery.
Series Sponsors
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Methodist Federation for Social Action
Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) is an intersectional social justice nonprofit that mobilizes Justice-Seeking People of Faith to take action on issues of peace, poverty, and people’s rights within the church, the nation, and the world.
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United Methodists for Kairos Response
United Methodists are responding to Kairos Palestine: A Moment of Truth, a statement of faith and urgent call to action from Christians in Palestine. UMKR seeks, through nonviolent means and in partnership with Palestinian Christians, freedom, justice, and equality for all Palestinians and Israelis.
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Native American International Caucus
The Native American International Caucus is an advocate for Native peoples, ministries, communities within, as well as outside of the United Methodist Church. "International" in the context of this name means collaboration that occurs between indigenous nations of North America.