The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is pleased to learn of Pope Francis’ decision to visit Canada with the goal of reconciliation with the Indigenous communities of this land.
This past June, the ACCUC published a statement requesting that Pope Francis formally apologize to Canada’s Indigenous communities for the role that the Church played in operating over 60% of the nation’s residential schools. It is our hope that the pope will use this opportunity to offer a sincere apology to the victims, survivors, and descendants of survivors. We also expect that the pope will seek forgiveness in light of the discovery of the unmarked mass graves of school children found near several former residential schools.
While we recognize that a papal visit and apology will not undo the abuse, suffering, and trauma endured at the residential schools, we do feel that this important gesture, one specifically called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, will be an important step on the path to reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing.
About Us
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is an organization of twenty postsecondary academic institutions located across all parts of Canada. ACCUC acts as the official voice for Catholic higher learning in Canada, as it seeks to spread “the spirit of learning” throughout the country.
Sincerely,
Peter Meehan, Ed.D.
Chair, ACCUC
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University, Waterloo
John Cappucci, Ph.D.
Vice-Chair, ACCUC
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Assumption University, Windsor
Christopher Adams, Ph.D.
Immediate Past Chair, ACCUC
Rector, St. Paul’s College, Winnipeg
Chantal Beauvais, Ph.D.
Rectrice, Université Saint Paul/Saint Paul University, Ottawa
Shawn Flynn, Ph.D.
President, St. Joseph’s College, Edmonton
Lauretta Frederking, Ph.D.
President, Brescia University College, London
Rob Harasymchuk, M.B.A.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Peter’s College, Muenster
Sami Helewa, S.J., Ph.D.
President, Campion College, Regina
Michael Higgins, Ph.D.
Principal, St. Mark’s College, Vancouver
President, Corpus Christi College, Vancouver
David Malloy, PhD
President, King’s University College, London
Dawn Russell, Q.C.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Thomas University, Fredericton
Brigitte Quintal, BCL
President, College Universitaire Dominicain, Ottawa
Carl Still, Ph.D.
President, St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon
David Sylvester, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto
Gerry Turcotte, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Mary’s University, Calgary
Jason West, Ph.D.
President, Newman Theological College, Edmonton
Thomas Worcester, S.J., Ph.D.
President, Regis College, Toronto