Unitarian Church Cancels Fourth Of July Celebration In Political Protest

To the editor: The Second Congregational Meeting House Society, Unitarian Universalist (Nantucket Unitarian Universalists) will not produce or host the annual 4th of July reading of the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights this year.

We came to this decision in large measure because of the recent gutting of the 1965 Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court. Yet, we also know that for those of us who are white the experience of the Rights and Privileges conferred by the Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the United States have, for centuries, been tragically, often violently, and unequally applied to fellow citizens who are not white. A celebration without context and the centering of the fullness of our American Story only perpetuates the harm, injustice, and anti-democratic process.

Our cancelling the 4th of July celebration this year reflects the deep concern we are feeling since the Supreme Court decision as well as an on-going process within the congregation to better understand our own whiteness and how we can be part of changing an inherently unfair system which has been in place for 250 years. We are working as a congregation and as members of this community to expand our knowledge - to learn the entirety of our American history. We invite anyone who would like to join us in this journey to please do so.

In the time between, now and the 4th of July, Rev. Erin Splaine is available for conversation by appointment. Neither she nor anyone from the congregation will respond to anyone who attempts to engage on any social media platform. Social media is not the place for important, tender conversations.

Finally, on July 4th our doors will be open from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Rev. Splaine will be in the sanctuary should anyone want to talk or engage further.

With hope for a better America,

Rev. Erin Splaine and the Board of Trustees