Catholic Church apologizes for mistreatment of Central Coast tribe
By Dennis Taylor
Bishop Richard Garcia asked for forgiveness during a Mass of Reconciliation at Mission San Juan Bautista, one of many missions where Native Americans endured atrocities that included rape, slavery, cultural genocide, broken treaties, disease and bounties that were placed on the heads of tribe members.
The events, which nearly destroyed the Mutsun culture, had never officially been acknowledged by the Catholic Church.
"Brothers and sisters, I ask for forgiveness for the times when individuals and communities of our Catholic Church have disrespected you, have abused you, and I apologize," the bishop said in a nearly 10-minute address to a large audience at the church, many of whom were Native American.
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http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_22247499/monterey-bishop-offers-apology-amah-mutsun-tribe-past
Catholic Church apologizes for mistreatment of Central Coast tribe
The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Ohlone/Costanoan Indians received a formal apology Saturday from the Diocese of Monterey for abuses of their people dating back to 1797 and the Spanish colonization of Central California.
Bishop Richard Garcia asked for forgiveness during a Mass of Reconciliation at Mission San Juan Bautista, one of many missions where Native Americans endured atrocities that included rape, slavery, cultural genocide, broken treaties, disease and bounties that were placed on the heads of tribe members.
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