A review of American history will take place during this year’s edition of the Melva Kauffman Lecture Series. Hesston College will host Mark Charles for a presentation titled “Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery,” which will discuss the history of the doctrine and how it led to the genocide of millions of indigenous people in North America. Charles will give a talk on January 21, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Hesston Mennonite Church, open to the public free of charge. He will also speak with Formation students and in their classes at the start of the week.
The doctrine of discovery is a religious and legal concept that has been used for centuries to justify Christian colonial conquest, with United States Supreme Court decisions supporting this doctrine as recently as 2005. As of 2014, the The Mennonite Church in the United States has formed a group called The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery which aims to “proclaim an Anabaptist spirit of discipleship rooted in the call to love one’s neighbor, seeking right relationships and reconciliation.” through active non-violence. In addition to connections to MCUSA, this topic accentuates the diversity and culture of the Hesston College campus and will present a new perspective on European colonialism.
This annual lecture series is held in honor of Melva Kauffman, a 1936 graduate of Hesston Academy and 1939 graduate of Hesston College, who also served as a professor of English and education at Hesston College from 1944 to 1977. After his death in October 2003, his family created this lecture series to continue to support Kauffman’s interests in learning and the humanities.
The son of an American (Dutch) and a Navajo, Mark Charles teaches with insight into the complexities of American history regarding race, culture, and faith to help chart a path of healing and of conciliation for the nation. He is one of the leading authorities on the 15th-century doctrine of discovery, its influence on United States history, and its intersection with modern society. Charles co-authored, with Soong-Chan Rah, the book titled “Disturbing Truths: The Continuing and Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery.”
“We are grateful to have Mark coming to campus,” said Lisa Longacher, development officer and Melva Kauffman Lecture Series committee member. “His lectures will challenge us to reflect and grow as we work for justice and peace for all. »