Statement
USCC Statement on American Indians (1977)
United States Catholic Conference Statement on American Indians, May 4, 1977
The bishops reflect on the historical and present relationship between the Catholic Church and American Indian peoples, acknowledging past failures, expressing a desire for reconciliation, and committing to more just and respectful engagement.
Faith, Culture, and Human Dignity
- The Church must proclaim the Gospel in ways that respect and uplift diverse cultures, rather than impose uniformity.
- Authentic evangelization involves dialogue, cultural adaptation, and honoring each community’s traditions.
- The Church affirms the deep link between evangelization and justice, insisting that defending human rights is integral to the Gospel.
The Historical and Present Situation of American Indians
- American Indians developed rich, diverse cultures across the continent long before European arrival.
- Their history since colonization has been marked by conflict, dispossession, cultural disruption, and population displacement.
- Today, they represent less than 1% of the U.S. population, belonging to over 250 tribes, many of which have lost lands and cultural continuity.
- Urban migration has often produced hardship, uprootedness, discrimination, and broken expectations.
- Native communities continue to struggle for cultural preservation, economic development, political power, land rights, and social justice.
Responsibilities of the Church
- The bishops call for a renewed commitment in several areas: solidarity and dialogue, strengthening ministries, advocacy on public policy (resolution of treaty and legal claims, protection of land and resource rights, adequate housing, education, health care, social services, and support for economic development and tribal self-determination.