As humanity’s understanding and discussion of the concepts of race, racism, and antiracism have evolved over generations, so have the words and phrases we use as we continue the work of obeying God and advancing racial justice.
In this “What Is?” series, the General Commission on Religion and Race offers this compilation of concise definitions, examples, and Biblical/theological foundations to create common vocabulary for Christians as we engage in anti-racism work.
Our hope, as you engage this series, is that the learning equips you to move into deeper waters in anti-racism work in your respective context.
Visit the series homepage for more information on other anti-racism resources.
Definition:
The Doctrine of Discovery refers to a series of 15th-century papal bulls and European legal principles that claimed Christian explorers had the “right” to seize lands they “discovered” for their monarchs. Edicts such as Dum Diversas (1452) and Inter Caetera (1493) stated that non-Christian peoples did not have the same rights to sovereignty or land ownership as Christian nations.
As European empires expanded, the Doctrine of Discovery was used to justify colonization, the displacement of Native American and other Indigenous peoples, and the seizure of their homelands. This doctrine later shaped U.S. law, especially in the 1823 Supreme Court case Johnson v. M’Intosh, which ruled that Native nations could inhabit the land but could not hold legal title to it.
This stands in sharp contrast to many Native beliefs about the land. For many Native peoples, the earth—often honored as Mother Earth—is sacred, life-giving, and not a commodity to be bought or sold. The land sustains us, and we are called to respect and care for it, not claim ownership over it.
Example(s) of The Doctrine of Discovery:
Red Lake Nation in Minnesota provides a helpful example of how some tribal nations hold land in trust rather than through individual ownership. Many Red Lake citizens have lived on the same land for multiple generations, yet the land is not owned by individuals. Instead, it is held collectively in trust by the Red Lake Nation.
Because the Doctrine of Discovery influenced the development of U.S. property law, land in the United States is generally understood as something that must be purchased and titled to an individual or entity. In contrast, in Red Lake Nation, all land is titled to the tribe as a whole. It is also important to note that portions of the Red Lake reservation were not purchased from the U.S. government. Rather, these were the remaining lands where Red Lake families were forced to reside as settlers moved west and treaties were imposed.
Biblical/Spiritual/Theological Framing or References:
The United Methodist Church (UMC) has formally condemned the Doctrine of Discovery as a framework that justified the seizure of land and the violation of the rights of Indigenous peoples. At the 2012 General Conference, the UMC participated in an Act of Repentance with Native peoples, acknowledging harm and committing to ongoing repair. (The service is available here: https://youtu.be/8xEJGoEwDiI.) This action called annual conferences and congregations to demonstrate repentance not only in word, but in sustained action. By rejecting the Doctrine of Discovery, the UMC affirms that repentance and transformation must happen together—recognizing past wrongdoing while working toward healing and restored relationship with Indigenous peoples and with the land.
Christian theology offers clear grounds for this rejection. Scripture teaches that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and therefore possess inherent dignity. The Doctrine of Discovery also contradicts Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and the biblical vision of justice where “righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (Psalm 85:10, NRSVU). Finally, the Christian message affirms that God’s grace extends to all peoples and nations (Acts 10:34–35), leaving no place for a theology that privileges one group over another.
Reflection Questions:
When seeking to build right relationship between Native American communities, annual conferences, and local congregations, several common questions arise:
- What does the Native American community need most from us?
- How can we help?
- What can the Church do to make things right?
A faithful starting point is to work toward restoring what was taken from Native peoples. While the needs are varied and interconnected, the following areas offer meaningful places to begin:
- Support Native language revitalization and cultural restoration efforts.
- Support or offer contextualized parenting programs grounded in Indigenous values.
- Receive with gratitude the spiritual gifts and wisdom Indigenous peoples offer.
- Support contextualized addiction recovery programs.
- Learn about and practice leadership informed by the realities of intergenerational trauma.
- Empower and sustain Native American Christian leaders and congregations.
This list is not exhaustive, but it offers a foundation for action. Additionally, partnering with your Annual Conference Committee on Native American Ministries can provide guidance and support for contextual, community-specific ways of loving and honoring Native American neighbors.
Additional Resources
For more information: GCORR will consider other materials they might want to read or view. You are welcome to provide suggestions. Some of the things are Videos, blogs, books, and articles.
- “The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery” by Sarah Augustine — R-Squared (Book Study for Small Groups)
This content was originally published by the General Commission on Religion and Race; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on November 7, 2025.