Truth-Telling
Church of the Covenant, in what is now known as Boston, resides on the ancestral and unceded lands and sacred waters of the Massachusett and the Mattakeeset people, and their ancestors. We confess that the Christian Doctrine of Discovery made theological claims that lifted White Christians above others to legalize and justify the trans-Atlantic slave trade and Indigenous genocide across the globe―and its sinful claims reverberate still today. Knowing words are not enough, we acknowledge the truth of violence perpetrated in the “founding” of Boston and make a commitment to uncovering that truth and working for repair. We pay respect to all Indigenous communities past and present who have stewarded and still love this sacred corner of Turtle Island.
In humility and gratitude, we continue to gather as community in the name of God of love, even as we acknowledge and deeply lament the settler-colonial driven painful history of genocide, slavery, broken treaties, land grabs, forced assimilation and violent removal from these territories of people who bear with them the very image of God the Great Creator. We also honor and respect the many diverse indigenous peoples who are very much still alive and still connected to this land and this watershed on which we gather and from who we have so much to learn. We give thanks to God for the continuous BIPOC presence in these sacred lands, and their continued leadership and wisdom in helping us make a way forward.
Church of the Covenant, in what is now known as Boston, resides on the ancestral and unceded lands and sacred waters of the Massachusett and the Mattakeeset people, and their ancestors. We confess that the Christian Doctrine of Discovery made theological claims that lifted White Christians above others to legalize and justify the trans-Atlantic slave trade and Indigenous genocide across the globe―and its sinful claims reverberate still today. Knowing words are not enough, we acknowledge the truth of violence perpetrated in the “founding” of Boston and make a commitment to uncovering that truth and working for repair. We pay respect to all Indigenous communities past and present who have stewarded and still love this sacred corner of Turtle Island.
In humility and gratitude, we continue to gather as community in the name of God of love, even as we acknowledge and deeply lament the settler-colonial driven painful history of genocide, slavery, broken treaties, land grabs, forced assimilation and violent removal from these territories of people who bear with them the very image of God the Great Creator. We also honor and respect the many diverse indigenous peoples who are very much still alive and still connected to this land and this watershed on which we gather and from who we have so much to learn. We give thanks to God for the continuous BIPOC presence in these sacred lands, and their continued leadership and wisdom in helping us make a way forward.
Chief Sâchem Wômpimeequin Wampatuck of the Mattakeeset Tribe leads a Truth Telling Litany, March 19, 2017
Rev. Rob Mark leads a Land Acknowledgment before the Presbytery of Boston, September 23, 2021
We comprehend that land acknowledgements are a small and very important step towards ensuring a culture of respect, truth, and accountability in our congregation, community, and city. It is imperative that these words develop into action as a sign of demonstrating our respect. ~United States Department of Arts & Culture: #HonorNativeLand Guide
The violence directed towards Indigenous, Native, Aboriginal, First Nation, and First Peoples is ongoing. This violence is present when Indigenous people’s histories are erased, their cultures are trivialized, their resources are seized, their labor is exploited, their children are stolen, and their lives are taken. In order to fight against this violence, occupiers of this land must listen and amplify Indigenous people’s voices, while fighting against their complicity. May the Great Spirit guide us in this ongoing work.
