St. Paul’s Territory Acknowledgment

(In accordance with 2021 Diocesan Resolution 3 for Territorial Acknowledgment and approved by Vestry May 2023)

“We acknowledge that we stand on territory that was taken from the Abenaki people of the Wabanaki Confederacy, the people of the Dawnland. May we always remember that the Earth does not belong to us, that we belong to the Earth, and that we are all companions in life. May we learn from our past sins and be instruments of justice and  peace for all people in today’s world. We ask for inspiration that we might be compelled to take action and support our native neighbors as they continue to seek their sovereignty here in Maine.”

As followers of Jesus we believe in the importance of acknowledging the sins of the past while committing ourselves to building God’s kingdom of love, grace, mercy, and justice. It is in our hope as a resurrection people that we continue to strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being. It is through these truths that St. Paul’s has taken up the work of the 2021 Diocese of Maine Resolution for Territorial Acknowledgment. We currently include the printed text in our worship bulletins and begin all church business with the territory acknowledgment.