Doctrine of Discovery and Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Repudiating and Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery

Young adult caucus at the Pro Microphone supporting resolution repudiating Doctrine of Discovery

2012 UUA General Assembly Young Adult Caucus supports passge of resolution regarding the Doctrine of Discovery. Speaking for the group is Sage Olnick.

Rev. Michael Tino talks about UUA repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery

Rev. Tino explains the process which led to the UUA repudiation of the doctrine.

read the resolution

The 2012 UUA General Assembly passed a resolution repudiating the Doctrine and calling for the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Unitarian Universalists are one of a number of denominations and faith communities to do so.

Other Faith Communities and Denominations

The World Council of Churches

On February 17, 2012, The World Council of Churches issued a Statement on the Doctrine of Discovery and its enduring impact on Indigenous Peoples, saying, in part, "the current situation of Indigenous Peoples around the world is the result of a linear programme of 'legal' precedent, originating with the Doctrine of Discovery and codified in contemporary national laws and policies." The statement, "Expresses solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of the world and supports the rights of Indigenous Peoples to live in and retain their traditional lands and territories, to maintain and enrich their cultures and to ensure that their traditions are strengthened and passed on for generations to come..."

The Episcopal Church

In 2009, the Episcopal Church became the first in the Christian world to pass a resolution repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery. On May 16, 2012, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori issued a pastoral letter on the Doctrine of Discovery and Indigenous Peoples. She wrote, in part, "The Doctrine of Discovery work of this Church is focused on education, dismantling the structures and policies based on that ancient evil, support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and challenging governments around the world to support self-determination for indigenous peoples." To those ends, the Episcopal Church has provided educational materials for congregations, including worship and reflection materials, and a video.

United Church of Christ

In July 2013, the United Church of Christ 29th Synod passed a resolution of witness Calling for the United Church of Christ to Repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery which Authorized the Genocide of Native Peoples and the Theft of Native Lands (PDF, 2 pages). The church has published education and worship materials for congregations, including a video.

United Methodist Church

In 2012, the United Methodist Council of Bishops passed a resolution on the Doctrine of Discovery, writing:

 Therefore be it resolved, all levels of The United Methodist Church are called to condemn the Doctrine of Discovery as a legal document and basis for the seizing of native lands and abuses of human rights of indigenous peoples; and
 Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church will work toward eliminating the Doctrine of Discovery as a means to subjugate indigenous peoples of property and land.

In 2013, the church published a DVD and guide, Walking the Trail of Repentance and Healing with Indigenous Persons. In 2015, the United Methodist Women published additional materials for education and reflection, including The Enduring Effects of the Doctrine of Discovery

The Mennonite Church

In August 2014, a group of Mennonite church and lay leaders formed an ad hoc working group with the aim of sharing information, passion and varied resources to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. Among other resources, the group has produced a documentary film.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

In July 2009, the Philadephia Yearly Meeting repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery.

In 2012, the New York Yearly Meeting repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery.

The Boulder, Colorado, Friends Meeting has developed workshops and resources about the Doctrine of Discovery and its effects.

Ted Fetter chairs the mini assembly reviewing the 2012 resolution repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery

Doctrine of Discovery Resolution

Ted Fetter, chair of the mini-assembly about the proposed Responsive Resolution repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, fields a question from a delegate.

Youth caucus at the Pro Microphone supporting resolution repudiating Doctrine of Discovery

UUA 2012 General Assembly Youth Caucus supports passage of the resolution repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery. Speaking is Rianna Johnson-Levy, First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor, MI.

This is an introduction to the Doctrine of Discovery for GA delegates ahead of Justice GA 2012 in Phoenix, where repudiation of the doctrine was on the agenda. The GA delegates took up this question at the request of our immigration justice partners in Arizona.

Video transcript

Sacred Roots: Indigenous Rights, Resistance, and Reclamation

Keynote Address in UN Trusteeship Council Chamber

Recap of 2014 Intergenerational Spring Seminar

youth participants in the UU UNO 2114 Spring Seminar

Youth participants 2014 UU UN Office Intergenerational Spring Seminar

The Episcopal Church Exposes the Doctrine of Discovery (14:00)

More Resources from The Episcopal Church

Discovered? Or Stolen! Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery (United Church of Christ, 6:15)

More Resources from the United Church of Christ

The Doctrine of Discovery: In the Name of Christ (Mennonite, 43:33)

More about the video