Release #032 {2896} April 22, 1996
DENVER (UMNS) -- The 1996 General Conference delegation apologized Mon., April 22, for the deaths of more than 200 Native Americans caused by a Methodist lay preacher more than 13 decades ago.
On Nov. 29, 1864, a Cheyenne village camped on the banks of Sand Creek in Colorado was attacked by the 1st Colorado Cavalry led by Col. John Chivington, a Methodist lay preacher.
More than 200, mostly women and children, were killed and mutilated.
Ironically, Chivington not only received a commendation for his attack on these people but was honored both by Coloradans and Methodists at his death in October 1894 as a hero and pioneer.
The Rev. Alvin Deer, pastor of El Reno and Kingfisher United Methodist Churches in Oklahoma, submitted the resolution asking for the United Methodist General Conference to apologize for the massacre and to support a healing service of reconciliation.
The petition was approved and adopted to the general Consent Calendar and passed with little opposition.
"The United Methodist Church delegation has recognized this was a tragedy in U.S. history that needed to be addressed," Deer said.
"With the General Conference meeting in Denver, it was the most appropriate time to deal with the tragedy."
No date has been set for the healing service.
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