Methodist Church prepares 'Act of Repentance' for Natives

Monday, May 2, 2011  

The United Methodist Church wants to heal its relationship with indigenous people through what is described as an Act of Repentance.

The church will be acknowledging its role in events such as the 1864 massacre at Sand Creek Massacre in which soldiers killed more than 150 Cheyenne and Arapaho women, children and elders. Col. John M. Chivington, who led the massacre, was a Methodist minister.

"What distinguishes the Sand Creek Massacre for United Methodists is the fact that a Methodist minister, Colonel John M. Chivington, led the charge, giving a whole new horrific meaning to that denominational term," the Rev. Dr. Stephen Sidorak, Jr said in a commentary.

The Act of Repentance will be presented at the church's 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Florida.

Get the Story:
United Methodists give $50,000 for massacre memorial (The Oklahoman 4/30)

United Methodist Church donates $50K for center at Sand Creek (3/7)