Episcopal Diocese of Arizona signs covenant with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery
(from left to right) Sarah Augustine, The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Reddall, The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals, The Rev. Joe Hubbard, Joey Morelli.
The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona has signed a covenant with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. During the 65th Annual Diocesan Convention of Arizona, the convention approved a resolution that authorizes the signing of a covenant between the Native American Ministry Council of the diocese and the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery.
“Today, we signed this covenant in a ceremony at Diocesan House, attended by leaders of both groups. The Covenant includes many commitments, but I want to highlight a couple of them for you today:
- To continue to seek and be bearers of the truth regarding the systematic damage perpetrated and still being practiced by colonizers upon Native Peoples.
- To partner with the Coalition to dismantle the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery through education, political, and legal channels.
- To share the boarding school history in Arizona by producing a documentary and study guide as a tool for education and formation in our congregations, the larger church, local tribal entities, and partners.
- To partner with local tribes as they strive for self-determination.
- To advocate for tribes as they seek redress for damage and pollution on their lands caused by extractive mineral practices.
These commitments reflect the intersection of this Covenant with many forms of our ministry: with our Christian formation, our Creation Care, our advocacy, and our relationship-building. How can you do your part to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery in your church, in your context, with your ministry focus?
The Doctrine of Discovery is not a historical artifact to be studied in the past tense; it is a doctrine that continues to impact our shared lives and communities now, in 2025. ”
The ceremony and signing were attended by leadership from the Diocese, including The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals, and Canon Alex Leonard; from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Sarah Augustine, The Rev. Joe Hubbard, and The Rev. Leon Sampson.
The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery was founded by Sarah Augustine, Tewa, and Sheri Hostetler, pastor, both from the Mennonite tradition. Episcopal priest Reverend Joe Hubbard leads the Episcopal Justice Roundtable, a key Coalition working group. The Coalition is comprised of Episcopalians and justice seekers from many denominations around the United States. The central mission for all participants is to dismantle the unjust Doctrine of Discovery, negatively impacting Indigenous peoples to this day.
The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals stated, “Our relationship with the Coalition empowers us to participate in their trainings and meetings, collaborating with others. We learn of injustices occurring outside Arizona, where we can lend our voices in support of the Coalition’s mission and support Indigenous rights across Native America. Together, we have partnered in the defense of Religious Freedoms with Apache Stronghold protecting Oak Flat, here in Arizona. The Council’s work in advocacy is strengthened because of our relationship with the Coalition, and lending our voices to the Coalition makes them stronger.”