The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery

What has been done in the name of Christ must be undone in the name of Christ… 

The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery emerged from the Mennonite Church in 2014. We are a group of people who work together to mobilize Christian church communities to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and follow Indigenous leadership. We proclaim an Anabaptist spirit of discipleship rooted in the call to love of neighbor, seeking right relationship and reconciliation through active non-violence. 

Attendees of a 2016 Annual Gathering

What is the Doctrine of Discovery?

The Doctrine of Discovery is a legal and philosophical framework dating to the 15th century that gave Christian governments moral and legal rights to invade and seize Indigenous lands and dominate Indigenous Peoples. The patterns of oppression that continue to dispossess Indigenous Peoples of their lands today are found in numerous historical documents, such as Papal Bulls, Royal Charters and U.S. Supreme Court rulings as recent as 2005.

Collectively, these and other concepts form a paradigm of domination that legitimates extractive industries that displace and destroy many Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable communities, as well as harm the earth. 

We believe that it is now the Church’s responsibility to undo the Doctrine of Discovery in the name of Christ. Join us!

Learn more on this page about our Coalition structure and how to join a committee or the Repair Network!