The Doctrine of Discovery: The Episcopal Church, Indigenous Peoples, and the Necessity of Decolonizing Christianity

This presentation presents an encapsulated history of the history and forces of Western Civilization that inform the development of the Doctrine of Discovery, how the Doctrine continues to be operant within neocolonialism today, and what we can do within churches to transform relationships with Indigenous peoples within a mission more in keeping with values of Christ.

Workshop Description: The Doctrine of Discovery historically informed the legal premise for justifying the forces of colonialism, including the enslavement of African and Asian peoples as well as the oppression and genocide of Indigenous peoples.  Taber-Hamilton will share the historical development of the Doctrine of Discovery, the historical role of the Church, and real-world contemporary examples of its continuing impact.

The Doctrine of Discovery remains embedded in the legal policies of the U.S. and colonized nations throughout the world, policies that maintain the theological, political, and legal justification for continued neo-colonialism, including the seizure of land, genocide, oppression, and racism. The Episcopal Church National Convention in 2009 formally renounced the doctrine and urged church-wide reflection and action.

Come learn how Indigenous people and allies are doing and can do to deconstruct the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery as a social force in our Church, in our nations, and in our world.