For more than five centuries, the Doctrine of Discovery and the laws based upon it have legalized the theft of land, labor and resources from Indigenous Peoples across the world. This Doctrine originated with the Christian church in the 15th century. It is now the church’s responsibility to dismantle it.
In August 2014, a group of Mennonite church and lay leaders form a coalition with the aim of sharing information, passion and varied resources to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. Members of this Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition proclaimed a spirit of discipleship rooted in the call to love of neighbor and in an Anabaptist understanding that seeks right relationship and reconciliation through active non-violence. Here’s an article from Mennonite World Review about the August 2014 roundtable.
The group holds annual meetings, during which Coalition members brainstorm new committees and projects for the following year.
Full Circle Project acts as a fiscal sponsor for DDoD and facilitates its various projects as requested.
Full Circle Project acts as a fiscal sponsor for DDoD and facilitates its various projects as requested.
For more information as well as various resources developed by DDoDC, please visit the coalition's website or Facebook page.
Recent events
Sarah Augustine from Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery visited Southern California during February, 2019 to speak at several locations.
- Friday February 15th - Workshop at Full Circle Thrift Shop, 7pm (2245 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001)
- Saturday February 16th - Brunch with the ReconciliAsian community
- Sunday February 17th - Preaching at Pasadena Mennonite Church, 10:30am (1041 N Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107)
- Sunday February 17th - Workshop at Pilgrim Place, 3pm (625 Mayflower Road, Claremont, CA 91711)