As Unitarian Universalists, our values and principles impel us to turn outward to our larger community and world on behalf of creating beloved and just community together. Each of us deeply involved in our own unique way through our caring relationships and activism, and as a congregation, we are committed to lifting up the justice, democracy, and pluralism as part of a rich historical legacy of Unitarian Universalism within Canton and the larger Neponset River region for over 300 years and nationally and internationally over additional centuries. We are proud also to be recognized as a Welcoming Congregation for members of the LGBTQI+ community. There are many ways to be involved, and here are some examples:
Each month, First Parish as a congregation lifts up and supports a different organization working toward a beloved and just world. Selected organizations often have an ongoing direct relationship to members who volunteer with them and/or a direct relationship to Unitarian Universalist organizations.
Donations are made through the donate button on our website or through checks or cash donations during Sunday morning worship (see the worship button for the particular organization selected each month).
Examples include the Canton Helpline Food Pantry (First Parish was one of the founders of the Canton Helpline); Father Bill’s & Mainspring; Waltham House; Jericho Circle; the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute; and the UU Urban Ministry, among many others each year.
First Parish has been at the forefront in Canton and the region for support democracy and justice in partnering with other progressive groups to host public No Kings witness on our lawn, with over 600 people participating at one high point and collecting for the Canton Helpline Food Pantry at each event. We also have an active partnership of support for the Town of Canton’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, particularly in hosting or supporting their events for Indigenous Peoples Day, the Transgender Day of Remembrance, the International Transgender Day of Visibility, and PRIDE and Juneteenth.
First Parish also is recognized as a congregational partner of the legislative advocacy body, UU Mass Action, and have participated in their State House lobby days, including on behalf of the MA Indigenous legislative agenda, for which both of FPUU’s ministers have given State House testimony on more than one occasion). Individual members on their own also participate in supporting progressive groups such as Indivisible and Progressive Mass, as well as the Neponset River Watershed Association, through a variety of actions and leadership roles among other progressive groups, including Canton Residents for a Sustainable, Equitable Future. First Parish also occasionally offers public forums in relationship to social justice issues and the above organizations and others, such as the League of Women Voters.
Nationally and internationally, First Parish is supportive of the initiatives and affirmations of our larger Unitarian Universalist Association, particularly through their public Side With Love advocacy campaigns, as well as the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. We make efforts to inform our congregation on public statements and actions taken by our denominational leaders in these organizations, and we invite participation through their respective advocacy centers.
