Los Angeles, Calif., Apr 2, 2018 / 23:38 pm
Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles has signed 17 new protocols recognizing the Native Americans of California as the "First People of the Land" and offering guidelines for pastoral service toward their communities.
"Today we commit ourselves to going forward on a path of mutual respect, recognition and dialogue," said Archbishop Gomez at a signing ceremony at the Museum and Cultural Center at Kuruvungna Springs last week.
"We honor the rich contributions that the 'first peoples' of the land have made to the Catholic Church from the beginning – here in Los Angeles and throughout the Americas."
The new protocols recognize the history of Native American communities in building up missions throughout the archdiocese. They also offer guidelines to welcome Native American communities, incorporate their indigenous perspectives, and respect their traditions.