The Doctrine of Discovery and its Continuing Legacy Today: Recommended Resources for Congregations

(from the Mission Networking Committee of Santa Fe Presbytery)

Download DOD Resource List - April 2019.pdf

The Coordinating Team of Santa Fe Presbytery has tasked the Mission Networking Committee with helping the Presbytery continue the conversation about the Doctrine of Discovery (also known as the Doctrine of Christian Domination) that was begun at the October 2018 Presbytery meeting. To that end, we have produced this annotated list of resources that we recommend to congregations for study by sessions, PW groups, adult Christian education classes, and book groups.

The 223rd General Assembly (2018) of the PC(USA) urged “the session of each congregation, as well as each mid council, COTE-member seminaries, Presbyterian Women’s groups, and other organizations to confess their complicity and repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery.”

Second Presbyterian Church (Albuquerque) has already taken action:

“The Session of Second repudiates the Doctrine of Discovery. We confess our complicity in the injustice of the Doctrine and promise to: (1) educate our congregation on the history and implications of the Doctrine; (2) work with higher councils to reinforce proliferation of repudiation to other Sessions and higher councils; and (3) cultivate relationships with Native American individuals and tribes, and especially Native American congregations.”

We encourage sessions to consider taking similar action, and we especially recommend the following four resources for their study of the Doctrine of Discovery:

Read more: The Doctrine of Discovery and its Continuing Legacy Today: Recommended Resources for Congregations

A Moment with the Moderator

From Jane Stringfellow

Welcome to a wintery white 2019! The blanket of white all around the Stringfellow house in Santa Fe is beautiful when the sun shines on the snow-covered trees and bushes making them sparkle. It's a blessed and joyful scene, one that I pray will mirror the Presbytery of Santa Fe throughout the coming year. With this introduction, I want to share with you the 2019 theme of our presbytery.

The theme is based on Isaiah 60: 1 - 2

Read more: A Moment with the Moderator

Opening Prayer by Rev. Andrew Black - New Mexico State House of Representatives

“First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe Reverend Andrew Black delivered the opening prayer today to kick off the New Mexico Legislature. Black, pictured on the floor of House of Representatives, prayed for lawmakers and called on them to be visionary, bold, innovative and courageous as they tackle the challenges of climate change and caring for the kids and families of New Mexico.”

Read to complete prayer or watch the video, below.

Read more: Opening Prayer by Rev. Andrew Black - New Mexico State House of Representatives

PSF Delegation to Triennium 2019

In July 2019, the Presbytery of Santa Fe will be sending a delegation of 41 youth and 7 brave youth leaders to Purdue University in Indiana for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium - including a week of fellowship, worship, and fun! 

Ten churches from throughout the Presbytery will be sending youth and/or sponsors to this event. Here are a few excerpts from their applications: 

Why do you want to go to Triennium?

• "I want to attend Triennium because I believe that it would help me form a deeper connection and understanding of my faith as well as allowing me to meet more youth from the larger Presbytery."
• "I want to go because I want my spirituality to grow into something greater than what it is."
  

What kind of impact might Triennium have on you? On your church?

• "I hope this opportunity will help me grow in my faith and gain confidence as I prepare to start high school."
• "I'm at a stage where just believing in God doesn't drive me the way I think it should. I know that there are other people who are where I'm at, and if I can share my Triennium experience with them, it would help both of us greater appreciate the Church and God's role in our lives."
  

If you would like to support youth going to Triennium, you can make a contribution to the Triennium fund through the Presbytery office or donating online (memo 'Triennium'). 

Please contact Luke Rembold at youth@santafepresbytery.org if you have any concerns or questions.