< Issue No. 20 (2025/2026)
Sub-Article
Engaging with Truth and Reconciliation: De-colonizing Pedagogies in Buddhist Spiritual Care and Counselling
Bright, Jenny, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto
Abstract
This paper addresses some of the ways in which I have incorporated decolonizing pedagogical principles and practices in the teaching of Buddhist spiritual care and counselling in a Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) program at Emmanuel College, which is a multi/interreligious theological college of the United Church of Canada (UCC) at the University of Toronto. The MPS is a professional program that prepares students for careers in spiritual care and spiritually-integrated psychotherapy. As per current trends in academia, and particularly in light of the involvement of the UCC in Canada's residential schools, Emmanuel College is committed to enacting the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission through the principle of "right relations" with Indigenous peoples of Canada, and all communities who have experienced social injustice and marginalization. Calling all faith groups to engage with Truth and Reconciliation, this paper describes a Buddhist pedagogical response to the Calls to Action.