October 6 Update: The recording of this conversation is now on the LeaderSHIFT YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/FTGDqBG2tOA
The Indigenous Church within The United Church of Canada has gone through some momentous and historical progressions as faith communities and councils. For us all to work more faithfully toward right relationship we need to understand these changes and the approach of our denomination’s National Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit as we support and strengthen Indigenous ministries. Let us explore and get some understanding of the current definitions and relational structures that The Indigenous Church functions with!
LeaderSHIFT welcomes Rev. Murray Pruden, National Executive Minister for Indigenous Ministries & Justice United Church of Canada to this September 28th conversation.
We will be introduced to the national Indigenous Council and Elders Council affiliation, learn current definitions and structures.
We will get some understanding of history and movement in the Indigenous Church, and learn about the national work that embodies the Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit.
We will hear about what is continuing to be developed as the Indigenous Ministries and Justice Unit continues its relational work as an autonomous structure in the United Church body.
~ Rev. Murray Pruden
Murray will help us see the potential for the future as we live out the newly emerging Indigenous Church structure and walk together on this path self-determination and equity. All are welcome, and we hope you are able to share this morning with us!
Understanding Each Other - The Indigenous Church
An Introduction to the General Council Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit, with National Executive Minister, Rev. Murray Pruden
10-11:30am Pacific / 11am-12:30pm Mountain
Wednesday September 28, 2022
Online Only, Via Zoom
Registration is now closed.
About Murray
Rev. Murray Pruden is the current National Executive Minister for Indigenous Ministries and Justice for The United Church of Canada.
Rev. Pruden is Nehiyaw, Cree First Nations from the Goodfish Lake and Saddle Lake First Nations. He grew up in the rural community of Smoky Lake. And his family’s history come from that area based on his ancestor Rev. Henry Bird Steinhauer.
Rev. Pruden has studied theatre at the University of Alberta, received a theatre performance diploma from Keyano college in Fort McMurray, and an undergrad BFA from the University of Lethbridge. He completed his Master of Divinity at the Vancouver School of Theology at UBC and studies at the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre in Manitoba.
Murray’s path to Ministry has taken him to many good uses of his talents and spiritual gifts- dramatic works on theological topics, workshop presentations on storytelling, ecumenical representation on Indigenous theology, and sermon reflections to various communities of faith across Canada.
“My role as a leader and person of faith and spirituality has grown to a role of a storyteller and person of inspiration. This path I am taking is the foundation, the history and literature to help form a good sustenance of authority and community building for me and for our Indigenous communities. I like to think that this all leads to me being a strong voice for Indigenous people on the level of religion and spirituality and the love of our communities. And a path of self love and love for all of Creators creations.” ~ Rev. Murray K. Pruden.
