Anti-Racism and Dismantling White Supremacy

​The Old Ship congregation is focused on issues of racism and white supremacy as one of its major social justice initiatives. Below is a summary of past and ongoing activities related to this initiative.

  • We have researched our Old Ship history as it relates to enslaved and indigenous peoples during the time of our first three ministers. Although we may uncover additional information in the future, here is the report based on our current findings.
  • We continue to sponsor the Social Justice Drop in Book Group, which typically meets on the third Sunday of each month at 7 PM, on Zoom. This group has read a variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction, authored primarily by persons of color. A partial list of the books read thus far is available here. Everyone is invited to participate in this group, on a “drop-in” basis. The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 20th at 7 PM, where the group will discuss Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity, by award-winning journalist Joseph Lee. Click here to join this Zoom meeting. Please contact the leader of this group if you have any questions.
  • We have worked with the UU Urban Ministry, which includes Old Ship members attending UU Urban Ministry events, and with our monthly outreach offering. Please check our monthly newsletters or the UU Urban Ministry website for upcoming events.
  • We have created the First Parish in Hingham (Old Ship) Historical and Land Acknowledgement:

As a people committed to justice, equity, and interdependence, we pause each week to remember our history. This land was once occupied by the Indigenous people whose descendants still live throughout the region and are now known as the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag. We acknowledge that our church continues to benefit from past injustices, including slavery. We remember that history, and imagine the world that is possible, and will become, as we act in solidarity with Indigenous People, Black People, and Other People of Color for our human liberation.

If you are interested in this work, please join us. If you have questions, please contact our Social Justice Council chair.