Commission discusses mass-graves investigation volunteer sign-up and pastoral support for remains

Commission members reported that an investigation into mass graves has begun and discussed volunteer sign-up processes and spiritual supports for recovered remains.

Commissioners noted they had circulated sign-up information (some members reported not receiving the e-mail) and confirmed volunteers would be accepted from prior genealogy workshops and other outreach lists. The commission discussed logistics for including more people and asked staff to continue distributing sign-up details.

The commission also discussed ceremonial and pastoral needs as remains are recovered. One commissioner who is a pastor was invited to provide prayer and pastoral presence “for the duration” of recovery work; members emphasized the importance of respectful, ongoing spiritual care and coordination with organizers handling the exhumation and identification work.

Staff said organizers were working “on ways to include more people” in the process and the commission requested that information be re-circulated to ensure broad awareness among commissioners and prior workshop participants.