On the one hand, this program requires courage, and the biblical practice of lament guides participants in spiritually processing the difficult stories they hear and historical truths they uncover. Together, the group traces the enduring legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, “a legal and philosophical framework dating to the 15th century that gave Christian governments moral and legal rights to invade and seize Indigenous lands and dominate Indigenous Peoples” (Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery). The Christian Church used — and continues to use — the Doctrine of Discovery to generate power and wealth, and the program calls participants to acknowledge the Doctrine and eradicate it from U.S. laws, institutional policies, and even the Church itself.  In each session, participants explore the Doctrine of Discovery’s devastating consequences, including the degradation of God’s Creation, U.S. and Church policies that removed children from their homes, and a disproportionately high number of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. 

On the other hand, The Land Is Not Our Own is an invitation to hope, joy, and healing. Together, the group will celebrate Indigenous artists and activists, engage in a spiritual reorientation toward honoring our sacred connection with one another and all Creation, and learn concrete ways that individuals, churches, and communities can partner with Native leaders in their work for justice and repair.  

This program consists of eight two hour sessions, plus an immersion experience.  All regular sessions include prayer, dialogue, active listening, weekly spiritual practices, and relationship-building. JustFaith Ministries provides all the materials and guidance you need to bring this small group program to your church or community. 

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?: Although none of us set into motion the violence that decimates God’s creation, tears apart families, and erases communities and cultures, we are all held captive to this violence — until we work together to acknowledge injustice, seek repair, and pursue healing. The Doctrine of Discovery disproportionately benefits the Christian Church and those of European descent; for this reason, this program is directed first to the descendants of European Christians, and secondly to others who have settled — or been forced to settle — on Indigenous land.