You Are Good: A Message of Hope for Every Young Soul
In a recent conversation, Bishop Charles offered a compelling perspective on how society—particularly the church—can support young people at risk of heading down a dark path. Speaking to issues of criminal age responsibility, he emphasized the role of community, identity, and spiritual grounding in shaping positive futures.
A Crisis of Identity and Trauma
Bishop Charles highlighted the struggles faced by many young people, particularly those in First Nations communities, who often grapple with post-transgenerational trauma and serious questions of identity. “Their social fabric has changed dramatically,” he said, stressing that these shifts demand an appropriate response.
Rather than focusing on punishment, he argued that support and affirmation should be the foundation of any intervention. “We need to help people be proud of who they are, of their heritage, of their identity. They need to know they are loved and valued.”
Breaking the Cycle of Negativity
Many young people, the Bishop noted, are constantly told they are “no good”—a message that can have lasting damage. His counter-message is simple but powerful: “You are good. I didn’t say perfect, but you are good. Believe in yourself, believe in your goodness.”
For those who make mistakes, he urged resilience. “Shake the dust, get up again, and keep moving forward. Don’t punish yourself into believing you are a bad person and give up on trying to do your best. That leads only to anger and acting out.”
A Path Forward
Bishop Charles believes solutions exist, and they are rooted in the dignity of each individual and the common good. “We don’t have to choose between justice for the individual and the good of society. We can work for the benefit of both.”
His words serve as a call to action for the church, policymakers, and the broader community: to uplift rather than condemn, to provide guidance rather than punishment, and to ensure that no young person feels abandoned to the weight of their circumstances.