This campaign was successful!!
Barnstable Friends Meeting is working on the following and asks others to join us:
The Time Has Come — Change the Massachusetts Flag and Seal
For 35 years, bills supported by Indigenous leaders to change the Mass Flag and Seal have been continuously blocked in the state legislature. Now, in 2020, H.2776 and S.1877 , the legislation to change the flag and seal, is advancing with strong support amid a growing grassroots campaign from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. When it passes, the legislation will set up a commission where Native leaders will be invited to sit with state legislators to design a new state flag and seal. Your help is needed to make 2020 the year we finally pass this long-stalled racial justice legislation for the Commonwealth!
Let's be the change we want to see in the world!
Moving Forward in Love --
https://changethemassflag.com
---------------------------------------------
Barnstable Friends Meeting mourns the loss of our brothers and sisters at the Pulse in Orlando, Florida.
We will participate at the invitation of Orlando Friends in a called meeting for worship
7 p.m. Tuesday, June 14th 2016) whether in our homes or meetinghouses
Leonard Cohen's The Future prophetically name the horror going on, the one line we can hold onto is "love's the only engine of survival”. In the face of homophobia and racism with the final outcome of the absolute worst kind Love, in the pure universal connected oneness, is the only thing that makes sense.
When looking at it through the eyes of eternity, Love does win - always.
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June 5, 2020
________________________
Message from Chairman Cromwell: Court Rules in Favor of Tribe
"Today, the DC District Court righted what would have been a terrible and historic injustice by finding that the Department of the Interior broke the law in attempting to take our land out of trust." ...________________________
(it might seem over for now but keep paying attention)
The Mashpee Wampanoag reservation on Cape Cod is being threatened with disestablishment of their tribal recognition.
Dear Friends
Your help is needed now! We are writing out of concern for the decision the Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt, made on March 27, 2020, that the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation on Cape Cod will be disestablished and their land be taken out of trust. Taking land out of trust means that the special status will no longer exist and therefore the tribe could be unable to make its own decisions on how to develop the previously tax-exempt land and its natural resources. Some of the other things threatened by this decision could be the tribe's four-judge court and two-member police department because they would no longer be operating on sovereign land as well as the transportation program that has helped elders and differently-abled folks to get to medical appointments, do food shopping, pick up RX, etc. Their health department and housing development for tribal elders and families could also be in jeopardy as well the tribe and its members again being subject to state and local taxes at the worst possible time. How many homes, how much land under indigenous control will be lost this time around? This decision has potential for wide ranging consequences for many other tribes as well.
Some of what you can do is:
- MAY 3rd, the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation will light sacred fires, smudge sticks and candles in prayer and in protest of the Trump Administration for “disestablishing” the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's reservation amid a pandemic. Light your candle or fire, let it burn 1-4 days, and post a picture with the hashtag #StandWithMashpee. Fires are lit May 3rd, official hearing in D.C. is May 7th. Cleanse the air of negativity, greed, jealousy, racism and capitalism attached to these wrongful decisions. May the Mashpee win their case and keep their Lands In Trust! We are not protesters we are protectors. Protectors of Indigenous lands and sovereignty.
- Sign PETITION calling on Congress to Pass the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act: https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/stand-with-the-mashpee?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Urgent+Ask+to+Protect+Wamponaog+Tribe+Sovereignty&utm_campaign=SWL+2020+March+-+Wamponaog+Tribe+Soverignty
- Call Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: (202) 224-2551. Urge him to support the forward movement of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act (Senate Bill 2628)
- CALL AND EMAIL the Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt, who issued the order to disestablish their reservation lands PHONE: (202) 208-3100, EMAIL: https://www.doi.gov/contact-usCall the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and ask to Speak to your Senators.. Urge your Senators to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act (Senate Bill 2628)
...
In 2001 a committee of Friends from Sandwich Monthly Meeting (the Committee of Concern for Native People) supported federal recognition for the Mashpee Wampanoag. The committee wrote a letter that spoke to some of the fears that led some Friends to oppose recognition and encouraged people to send a letters of support to the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, their congressional delegation and others. (Letter and an article written for the New England Friend newsletter in 2002 attached for reference.) While a lot has happened in the intervening 19 years, today it seems like time has been rolled back.
In 2013 NEYM minuted "The Doctrine of Discovery was used to justify Christians’ ‘right' to dominate, exploit and claim the lands of non-Christians ... It has the force of law globally and serves as a framework of oppression fully intact in U.S. federal Indian law today…”. The Doctrine of Discovery speaks directly to this current issue. It is part of the continuum of people of European descent leadership and corporations, with the support of law, taking indigenous people’s land, possessions and resources. This decision to disestablish the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation and take their land out of trust clearly demonstrates that the Doctrine of Discovery is very much alive and in operation. A leader in the Mashpee Wampanoag community wrote " it is horrible news and we feel like we've been sucker punched in the stomach….again. … The emotional and psychological damage is indescribable as our Youth try to decipher, make sense of this as the timing [during the coronavirus] is simply cruel."
What can we do? We can all again write to encourage and support positions such as US Rep. Bill Keating Keating and others in their opposition to the decision of the Secretary of the Interior. We can write in opposition to those who support the Secretary’s decision. Following is a possible sample letter. Please, ASAP send a letter of your choosing to your members of Congress, the Department of the interior or anywhere else you think would be helpful. Also, very important, please forward this request to whoever else might be enlisted to this important cause. It's way past time we start to heal our broken system and world.
I respectfully ask Friends to prayerfully consider appropriate responses and support for the indigenous people in Mashpee and other places. Taking this action, demonstrating our respect and unconditional support, allows the divine spark within every individual to join in harmony with all others. Let us come together to have a positive influence on this travesty of justice. Let’s envision and work toward a renewed commitment to respect and healing. As this blossoms in all our hearts, it enables us to meet each other with Light and unconditional Love.
Rachel Carey-Harper, Barnstable Friends Meeting (Preparative of Mattapoisett Monthly Meeting)
For further information and to check for updates, see https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/the-news
In 2001 a committee of Friends from Sandwich Monthly Meeting (the Committee of Concern for Native People) supported federal recognition for the Mashpee Wampanoag. The committee wrote a letter that spoke to some of the fears that led some Friends to oppose recognition and encouraged people to send a letters of support to the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, their congressional delegation and others. (Letter and an article written for the New England Friend newsletter in 2002 attached for reference.) While a lot has happened in the intervening 19 years, today it seems like time has been rolled back.
In 2013 NEYM minuted "The Doctrine of Discovery was used to justify Christians’ ‘right' to dominate, exploit and claim the lands of non-Christians ... It has the force of law globally and serves as a framework of oppression fully intact in U.S. federal Indian law today…”. The Doctrine of Discovery speaks directly to this current issue. It is part of the continuum of people of European descent leadership and corporations, with the support of law, taking indigenous people’s land, possessions and resources. This decision to disestablish the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation and take their land out of trust clearly demonstrates that the Doctrine of Discovery is very much alive and in operation. A leader in the Mashpee Wampanoag community wrote " it is horrible news and we feel like we've been sucker punched in the stomach….again. … The emotional and psychological damage is indescribable as our Youth try to decipher, make sense of this as the timing [during the coronavirus] is simply cruel."
What can we do? We can all again write to encourage and support positions such as US Rep. Bill Keating Keating and others in their opposition to the decision of the Secretary of the Interior. We can write in opposition to those who support the Secretary’s decision. Following is a possible sample letter. Please, ASAP send a letter of your choosing to your members of Congress, the Department of the interior or anywhere else you think would be helpful. Also, very important, please forward this request to whoever else might be enlisted to this important cause. It's way past time we start to heal our broken system and world.
I respectfully ask Friends to prayerfully consider appropriate responses and support for the indigenous people in Mashpee and other places. Taking this action, demonstrating our respect and unconditional support, allows the divine spark within every individual to join in harmony with all others. Let us come together to have a positive influence on this travesty of justice. Let’s envision and work toward a renewed commitment to respect and healing. As this blossoms in all our hearts, it enables us to meet each other with Light and unconditional Love.
Rachel Carey-Harper, Barnstable Friends Meeting (Preparative of Mattapoisett Monthly Meeting)
For further information and to check for updates, see https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/the-news
If you choose to send or post excepts on Facebook or wherever please consider including the following link for the full version of this request. http://quakersofthelight.blogspot.com
…………………………………
Possible sample letter
Dear _______________,
We/I need your help! I am/we are writing out of concern for the decision of the Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt that the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation be disestablished and their land be taken out of trust. [(insert for those who oppose the Secretary of the Interior actions, Keating, Warren, etc: Thank-you very much or your active support for the Mashpee Wampanoag. Please continue your efforts on their behalf)]
…………………………………
Possible sample letter
Dear _______________,
We/I need your help! I am/we are writing out of concern for the decision of the Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt that the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation be disestablished and their land be taken out of trust. [(insert for those who oppose the Secretary of the Interior actions, Keating, Warren, etc: Thank-you very much or your active support for the Mashpee Wampanoag. Please continue your efforts on their behalf)]
The federal government hasn't removed a tribe's land trust status since the Termination Era of the 1940 - 1960 when Congress tried to end tribal independence by removing federal protections and pushing for the assimilation of American Indians, say Native American groups and federal Indian law experts. Taking land out of trust means that the special status will no longer exist and therefore the tribe could be unable to make its own decisions on how to develop the previously tax-exempt land and its natural resources. Some of the other things threatened by this decision could be the tribe's four-judge court and two-member police department because they would no longer be operating on sovereign land as well as the transportation program that has helped elders and differently-abled folks to get to Drs appts, do food shopping, pick up RX, etc. Their health department and housing development for tribal elders and families could also be in jeopardy as well the tribe and its members again being subject to state and local taxes at the worst possible time. How many homes, how much land under indigenous control will be lost this time around? This decision has potential for wide ranging consequences for many other tribes as well.
I (We) join together with others to seek a world in which all people can join together as equal and respected parts of the human family. By holding each other in respect and unconditional support, the divine spark within every individual joins in harmony with all others. Let us envision and work toward a renewed commitment to justice, truth, respect and healing. As this blossoms in all our hearts, enables us to meet each other with Light and unconditional Love.
Please support the Mashpee Wampanoag and other Native People to correct this miscarriage of justice by asking our representatives to take concrete action.
I (We) join together with others to seek a world in which all people can join together as equal and respected parts of the human family. By holding each other in respect and unconditional support, the divine spark within every individual joins in harmony with all others. Let us envision and work toward a renewed commitment to justice, truth, respect and healing. As this blossoms in all our hearts, enables us to meet each other with Light and unconditional Love.
Please support the Mashpee Wampanoag and other Native People to correct this miscarriage of justice by asking our representatives to take concrete action.
(Your signature)
…………………………...
send to your congress people such as:
…………………………...
send to your congress people such as:
**— US Rep. Bill Keating (9th Dist., D) https://keating.house.gov/contact 508-771-6868, 202-225-3111 — 259 Stevens Street, Suite E Hyannis, MA 02601 Phone: (508) 771-6868
**— US Senator Elizabeth Warren: 2400 JFK Federal Building , 15 New Sudbury Street Boston, MA 02203 Phone: (617) 565-3170 , 202-224-4543
**— US Senator Ed Markey https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Privacy%20Release%20Form1.pdf — 975 JFK Federal Building 15 New Sudbury Street Boston, MA 02203 Phone: 617-565-8519 202-224-2742
**— US Senator Ed Markey https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Privacy%20Release%20Form1.pdf — 975 JFK Federal Building 15 New Sudbury Street Boston, MA 02203 Phone: 617-565-8519 202-224-2742
**— Bureau of Indian Affairs, MS-4606 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
**FOR REFERENCE ONLY**
Sandwich Monthly Meeting Committee of Concern for Native Peoples
c/o Rachel Ann Carey-Harper
P.O. Box 585, Dennis MA 02638 4/30/2001
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In 1977 Friends (Quakers) from New England wrote the following at our annual gathering: "We note with great concern the potential for prejudice-born over-reaction which accompanies the growing cultural awareness and demand for legal and economic rights among Indians in New England. We believe that factual information about these matters can help to find a more peaceful and just response by the neighbors of the Indians… Through this process (continuing education) we look to renew our historic friendship between Friends and Indians."
Today, Friends from Cape Cod reaffirm the above minute and are distressed and greatly disappointed that 24 years have passed and yet the Mashpee Wampanoag continue to experience an atmosphere of distrust and insensitivity as they pursue Federal Recognition.". We respectfully ask you to give your support and understanding to the Tribe. (For congressional delegation:) Furthermore, as your constituency, we ask you to take a leadership role both within the Massachusetts delegation as well as Congress in encouraging a favorable recommendation. We also ask that you write a letter in this regard to the Branch of Acknowledgment and Recognition* and forward a copy to us and the Mashpee Wampanoag .) (For others:) Furthermore, we ask for leadership within your community including writing letters to our Congress people urging their active support of a favorable recommendation and writing letters to the newspapers in support of recognition. We would appreciate your forwarding copies back to us and to the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.
Federal recognition requires the Tribe to meet seven specific criteria which will be reviewed by a panel of experts in the field. Whether or not the Wampanoag decide to be involved with gaming has nothing to do with the legitimacy of their petition. However, it is understandable that this could be of concern to all inhabitants of this fragile peninsula. The concern of the Mashpee Wampanoag for the quality of life on Cape Cod is well documented. They have repeatedly responded to questions about the possibility of casinos on Cape Cod with unconditional denial of any intention in this regard. Their statements and record on this issue are clear.
Another issue for some on Cape Cod is a fear about loss of property. To our knowledge no one in the history of the US has ever been evicted or been forced to sell their home because an Indian tribe has been recognized. A local example of this is that during the land suit of the 1970s the Mashpee Wampanoag added to their portion of the case a clause that stated that if successful they would not pursue action against the houses of non-Wampanoag citizens of the Town of Mashpee.
We write today to encourage people to familiarize themselves with the facts. We strongly urge you to speak to the tribe directly with any questions that remain unresolved. They have stated their willingness to be available either in large settings or small groups. If an individual has a question they can contact Glenn Marshall; president Tribal Council, If a group wishes to meet , we recommend a letter of request be sent to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council at P.O. Box 43, Mashpee MA 02639.
We ask that you share factual information with your colleagues and friends. We ask that you resolve to be firm against any backlash that the tribe might experience such as the recent vandalism of their property. Finally we beseech you to take a positive role in fostering harmony, friendship and justice, being models for acceptance, respect and love. Together let us demonstrate our commitment to peace.
In Concern,
Rachel Ann Carey-Harper, clerk
*Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Branch of Acknowledgement and Research
mail stop 4627-MIB 1849 C Street NW Washington DC 20240
————————————————————————————————————————————
A Bounty on their Heads; A Suffering in their Hearts
The Climate Today in New England for Native Peoples as They Seek Federal Recognition
By Rachel Carey-Harper 6/1/2002
When police shoot and kill unarmed people of color what are the consequences for these officers of the law? In Cincinnati they may be get up to 6 months in prison, in New York nothing, in Mashpee Massachusetts they are paid $75,000. David Hendricks, an unarmed Wampanoag, was shot seven times, the last five at point blank range through the driver side window after his car had stopped May 1, 1988. The officer was paid for this murder on the condition he not sue because they asked him to leave town Obviously the relationship between the Wampanoag and some of their white neighbors is at times tense. This is also true for communities throughout New England as Indian people struggle with issues related to gaining Federal recognition, and as they suffer from prejudice and poverty.
Wampanoag people were one of the earliest settlements acknowledged by English law with “ownership” of the southwestern part of Cape Cod and other places recognized by the Plymouth Colony in 1671. According to an American Friends Service Committee report, in Mashpee from 1834-1962 all but one selectman was a native person or married to one. However, according to the AFSC report, this changed in the early 1970s when the Chace family, under the name of New Seabury, began building a high-cost development on 2700 acres which included basically all the Mashpee ocean waterfront. Further, according to the report, in 1970 Mashpee’s unemployment rate was 7.9%; by 1977 it was 21.5%. In 1965 the total population was 665 of which 500 were Wampanoag; by 1978 the total population jumped to 3,000-4000 of which 350-400 were Wampanoag. (This change in demographics meant that all town officials that had previously been Wampanoag were voted out of office.) In 1954 the amount of tax levied was $89.19 per capita; by 1976 taxes levied were $722.11 per capita.
Today Mashpee Wampanoag and other tribes throughout New England continue to experience an atmosphere of fear, bigotry and exaggeration as they pursue Federal Recognition. In a recent Mashpee forum organized by a former selectman, he and his “experts” falsely insisting that, if recognized, the Wampanoag would bring casinos to Cape Cod, and that they would sue non-native people to claim their homes. They essentially said that Indian people lie and don't subscribe to law, insisted that "there is no middle ground," and in opening remarks advised against any reconciliation work with the tribe — equating it with attempts to appease Nazi Germany.
In Connecticut a regional council of leaders from 10 towns reported in the newspaper being concerned that if the Nipmuc receive recognition that their (white) communities will be adversely affected, especially in relation to concerns about gaming and property. These council leaders are requesting 1 million dollars of state money to hire their own “experts” to “deal with tribal issues.” Though this request was rejected by the governor, it has support in the legislature.
Federal recognition requires that any tribe meet seven specific criteria which will be reviewed by a panel of experts in the field. Whether or not the tribe decides to be involved with gaming has nothing to do with the legitimacy of their petition. As to the issue about the loss of property, according to the AFSC , no one in the history of the US has ever been evicted or been forced to sell their home because an Indian tribe has been recognized. A Mashpee example of this is that during the land suit of the 1970s, the Wampanoag added to their portion of the case a clause stating that, if successful, they would not pursue action against the houses of non-Wampanoag. In Southern Connecticut, one tribe did attempt to place leans on properties where the titles were unclear, but after months in court they were not awarded any properties.
Following the failure of the Mashpee land suit (decided by the same judge who was exposed in the movie A Civil Action), AFSC wrote "We note with great concern the potential for prejudice-born over-reaction which accompanies the growing cultural awareness and demand for legal and economic rights among Indians in New England. We believe that factual information about these matters can help to find a more peaceful and just response by the neighbors of the Indians."
Even among Friends there sometimes is an atmosphere of distrust and insensitivity around this issue. On Cape Cod some Quakers want to stay neutral and be what they define as “peacemakers.” What is the most effective way to make peace between people who refuse to let go of hurtful attitudes and the people they oppress? What can we do if some of us refuse to see and acknowledge the undercurrents of racism? Isn’t tolerating these attitudes that to some degree exist in all of us of European descent — even Quakers, an integral part of the problem? As Friends should we stay neutral as people seek redress for past wrongs or unarmed people of color are killed?
We like to think that we, as the Religious Society of Friends, advocate for the disenfranchised. However to some of us throughout New England Yearly Meeting our Indian neighbors are invisible and irrelevant. Historically, what indigenous communities lived in your local area? What agreement or treaties were negotiated with them? Where are they today and why? Where is information on native peoples coming from, white establishment sources or the Indians themselves? It is important that we familiarize ourselves with the facts and directly contact our closest Indian neighbors to learn about the issues they face. It is important that we speak out against any violence they experience whether it be vandalism on tribal land, issues such as using native names for sports mascots (for example the Washington Redskins} or the more subtle forms of discrimination.
We like to think we are a nation of law. Should this only be true if our laws sustain simply the dominant class or group? Will we as Friends passively accept or defend police as being immune from the legal consequences of heinous actions? Do we perpetuate the commonly held community attitudes about native peoples — because “we can’t pick up every cross” or “it isn’t a social concern that is on my plate”? Is this living up to Friends’ principles and ideals?
We need to look at white privilege and the white supremacist attitudes that all people of European descent carry unconsciously. If we don’t do this, none of the issues of in this article or the daily assault on the dignity and very lives of people of color will have any chance of being healed. Only when we address that which each of us is doing unconsciously to uphold an unjust and unholy system will we really demonstrate that we are lovers of peace and servants of the Spirit. Otherwise it is a sham to pride ourselves on our Society’s taking a positive role in fostering harmony and justice.
Why should we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable? The answer depends upon what kind of world we want to leave behind us. Do we want a world in which all people can join together as equal and respected parts of the human family? If so we must let go of that which keeps us separated, apart from each other and apart from the Source of Light, where pure Love and Peace abide, where the divine spark within every individual joins in harmony with all others. Somehow we need to find the courage to go beyond our comfort zone and dare to think holistically, think beyond our minds and look to our hearts. Then a time will come when old blame and shame dissolves into new compassion and harmony. A place will be created where a renewed commitment to Justice, Truth and Respect blossoms in all our hearts; where we met each other with Light and unconditional Love.
By Rachel Carey-Harper 6/1/2002
When police shoot and kill unarmed people of color what are the consequences for these officers of the law? In Cincinnati they may be get up to 6 months in prison, in New York nothing, in Mashpee Massachusetts they are paid $75,000. David Hendricks, an unarmed Wampanoag, was shot seven times, the last five at point blank range through the driver side window after his car had stopped May 1, 1988. The officer was paid for this murder on the condition he not sue because they asked him to leave town Obviously the relationship between the Wampanoag and some of their white neighbors is at times tense. This is also true for communities throughout New England as Indian people struggle with issues related to gaining Federal recognition, and as they suffer from prejudice and poverty.
Wampanoag people were one of the earliest settlements acknowledged by English law with “ownership” of the southwestern part of Cape Cod and other places recognized by the Plymouth Colony in 1671. According to an American Friends Service Committee report, in Mashpee from 1834-1962 all but one selectman was a native person or married to one. However, according to the AFSC report, this changed in the early 1970s when the Chace family, under the name of New Seabury, began building a high-cost development on 2700 acres which included basically all the Mashpee ocean waterfront. Further, according to the report, in 1970 Mashpee’s unemployment rate was 7.9%; by 1977 it was 21.5%. In 1965 the total population was 665 of which 500 were Wampanoag; by 1978 the total population jumped to 3,000-4000 of which 350-400 were Wampanoag. (This change in demographics meant that all town officials that had previously been Wampanoag were voted out of office.) In 1954 the amount of tax levied was $89.19 per capita; by 1976 taxes levied were $722.11 per capita.
Today Mashpee Wampanoag and other tribes throughout New England continue to experience an atmosphere of fear, bigotry and exaggeration as they pursue Federal Recognition. In a recent Mashpee forum organized by a former selectman, he and his “experts” falsely insisting that, if recognized, the Wampanoag would bring casinos to Cape Cod, and that they would sue non-native people to claim their homes. They essentially said that Indian people lie and don't subscribe to law, insisted that "there is no middle ground," and in opening remarks advised against any reconciliation work with the tribe — equating it with attempts to appease Nazi Germany.
In Connecticut a regional council of leaders from 10 towns reported in the newspaper being concerned that if the Nipmuc receive recognition that their (white) communities will be adversely affected, especially in relation to concerns about gaming and property. These council leaders are requesting 1 million dollars of state money to hire their own “experts” to “deal with tribal issues.” Though this request was rejected by the governor, it has support in the legislature.
Federal recognition requires that any tribe meet seven specific criteria which will be reviewed by a panel of experts in the field. Whether or not the tribe decides to be involved with gaming has nothing to do with the legitimacy of their petition. As to the issue about the loss of property, according to the AFSC , no one in the history of the US has ever been evicted or been forced to sell their home because an Indian tribe has been recognized. A Mashpee example of this is that during the land suit of the 1970s, the Wampanoag added to their portion of the case a clause stating that, if successful, they would not pursue action against the houses of non-Wampanoag. In Southern Connecticut, one tribe did attempt to place leans on properties where the titles were unclear, but after months in court they were not awarded any properties.
Following the failure of the Mashpee land suit (decided by the same judge who was exposed in the movie A Civil Action), AFSC wrote "We note with great concern the potential for prejudice-born over-reaction which accompanies the growing cultural awareness and demand for legal and economic rights among Indians in New England. We believe that factual information about these matters can help to find a more peaceful and just response by the neighbors of the Indians."
Even among Friends there sometimes is an atmosphere of distrust and insensitivity around this issue. On Cape Cod some Quakers want to stay neutral and be what they define as “peacemakers.” What is the most effective way to make peace between people who refuse to let go of hurtful attitudes and the people they oppress? What can we do if some of us refuse to see and acknowledge the undercurrents of racism? Isn’t tolerating these attitudes that to some degree exist in all of us of European descent — even Quakers, an integral part of the problem? As Friends should we stay neutral as people seek redress for past wrongs or unarmed people of color are killed?
We like to think that we, as the Religious Society of Friends, advocate for the disenfranchised. However to some of us throughout New England Yearly Meeting our Indian neighbors are invisible and irrelevant. Historically, what indigenous communities lived in your local area? What agreement or treaties were negotiated with them? Where are they today and why? Where is information on native peoples coming from, white establishment sources or the Indians themselves? It is important that we familiarize ourselves with the facts and directly contact our closest Indian neighbors to learn about the issues they face. It is important that we speak out against any violence they experience whether it be vandalism on tribal land, issues such as using native names for sports mascots (for example the Washington Redskins} or the more subtle forms of discrimination.
We like to think we are a nation of law. Should this only be true if our laws sustain simply the dominant class or group? Will we as Friends passively accept or defend police as being immune from the legal consequences of heinous actions? Do we perpetuate the commonly held community attitudes about native peoples — because “we can’t pick up every cross” or “it isn’t a social concern that is on my plate”? Is this living up to Friends’ principles and ideals?
We need to look at white privilege and the white supremacist attitudes that all people of European descent carry unconsciously. If we don’t do this, none of the issues of in this article or the daily assault on the dignity and very lives of people of color will have any chance of being healed. Only when we address that which each of us is doing unconsciously to uphold an unjust and unholy system will we really demonstrate that we are lovers of peace and servants of the Spirit. Otherwise it is a sham to pride ourselves on our Society’s taking a positive role in fostering harmony and justice.
Why should we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable? The answer depends upon what kind of world we want to leave behind us. Do we want a world in which all people can join together as equal and respected parts of the human family? If so we must let go of that which keeps us separated, apart from each other and apart from the Source of Light, where pure Love and Peace abide, where the divine spark within every individual joins in harmony with all others. Somehow we need to find the courage to go beyond our comfort zone and dare to think holistically, think beyond our minds and look to our hearts. Then a time will come when old blame and shame dissolves into new compassion and harmony. A place will be created where a renewed commitment to Justice, Truth and Respect blossoms in all our hearts; where we met each other with Light and unconditional Love.
(letter appeared in Cape Cod Times August 20, 2015)
Not a Solution
Doing away with the Noah shelter is not a solution and could make the problem worse. Reduce the number of beds available and people will still be here, some causing more problems not less. Moving the shelter makes it hard for people we don't have cars to get to work or mental health services which doesn’t help. Ending homelessness need a layered approach. We need 1. some sort of housing that is affordable for people working minimum wage jobs, 2. housing, education and job development for people who have gone through recovery from addiction, etc but not solidly on their feet and for people beginning recovery, like Homeless Not Hopeless 3. a place like Noah shelter.
Most of all though, we need compassion. We need to understand that this is holy work. The Bible specifically demands hospitality toward the other "for you were strangers in a strange land" (Lev. 19:34 and see Ex. 12:49). Isaiah states that one of the duties of those spiritually connected is to "give thy bread to the hungry," and to "bring the poor that are cast out to thy house" (Isa. 58:7).
Where will people go if Noah Shelter is closed? Will you bring people into your home? What happens in January and zero degrees? What if it was your son or father, your sister or you?
Rachel Carey-Harper for Barnstable Friends Meeting (a Preparative Meeting of Mattapoisset Monthly Meeting)
Doing away with the Noah shelter is not a solution and could make the problem worse. Reduce the number of beds available and people will still be here, some causing more problems not less. Moving the shelter makes it hard for people we don't have cars to get to work or mental health services which doesn’t help. Ending homelessness need a layered approach. We need 1. some sort of housing that is affordable for people working minimum wage jobs, 2. housing, education and job development for people who have gone through recovery from addiction, etc but not solidly on their feet and for people beginning recovery, like Homeless Not Hopeless 3. a place like Noah shelter.
Most of all though, we need compassion. We need to understand that this is holy work. The Bible specifically demands hospitality toward the other "for you were strangers in a strange land" (Lev. 19:34 and see Ex. 12:49). Isaiah states that one of the duties of those spiritually connected is to "give thy bread to the hungry," and to "bring the poor that are cast out to thy house" (Isa. 58:7).
Where will people go if Noah Shelter is closed? Will you bring people into your home? What happens in January and zero degrees? What if it was your son or father, your sister or you?
Rachel Carey-Harper for Barnstable Friends Meeting (a Preparative Meeting of Mattapoisset Monthly Meeting)
(letter appeared in Cape Cod Times, published 5/29/2014)
Dear Editor,
While we applaud Harwich Conservation Trust's hope to purchase 40 acres in Harwich ("Scrambling to buy some history" May 26 CCTimes), we are concerned that it would be a purchase of stolen land only once removed from the family that perpetrated, and for centuries profited from, the theft in the first place. By what right did the land transfer from Wampanoag people? In all likelihood it was through the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. Receiving stolen property is a crime and in many cases there is no statue of limitations. We encourage people who are not descendants of the original inhabitants to consider this because the harm that has been done and the privileges enjoyed by our ancestors and even today by us personally, whether we know it or not, have serious consequences for our souls. That of God within, the essence of who we really are, exists in eternity, therefore serious wrongs do not dissipate with the passage of time. There is a good way to move forward in an effort to be in right relationship with our indigenous neighbors. The long journey of healing begins with the first steps of interrupting the behavior and knowing about and acknowledging the harm. There are alternatives including a donation of the property to Native Land Conservancy, Inc. 19 Pine Road Mashpee, MA 02649. This way, true love can prevail.
Rachel Carey-Harper, Barnstable Friends Meeting (a Preparative Meeting of Mattapoisset Monthly Meeting)
While we applaud Harwich Conservation Trust's hope to purchase 40 acres in Harwich ("Scrambling to buy some history" May 26 CCTimes), we are concerned that it would be a purchase of stolen land only once removed from the family that perpetrated, and for centuries profited from, the theft in the first place. By what right did the land transfer from Wampanoag people? In all likelihood it was through the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. Receiving stolen property is a crime and in many cases there is no statue of limitations. We encourage people who are not descendants of the original inhabitants to consider this because the harm that has been done and the privileges enjoyed by our ancestors and even today by us personally, whether we know it or not, have serious consequences for our souls. That of God within, the essence of who we really are, exists in eternity, therefore serious wrongs do not dissipate with the passage of time. There is a good way to move forward in an effort to be in right relationship with our indigenous neighbors. The long journey of healing begins with the first steps of interrupting the behavior and knowing about and acknowledging the harm. There are alternatives including a donation of the property to Native Land Conservancy, Inc. 19 Pine Road Mashpee, MA 02649. This way, true love can prevail.
Rachel Carey-Harper, Barnstable Friends Meeting (a Preparative Meeting of Mattapoisset Monthly Meeting)
(letter appeared in Cape Cod Times, published 12/02/2012 )
Truth
A recent article about clearing the homeless camps says its purpose was to "encourage people living in them to get off the streets" but is this true? The high price for a rental apartment, "affordable housing" geared to middle income wage earners, coupled with the extreme difficulties that any organization has in establishing a group living situation and the many bylaws of our towns seems designed to punish rather then help. To walk a path to solve this problem requires reassessment, both community policies, priorities and personal attitudes.
We are ALL part of the Divine whole; the illusions of the world do give way to the infinite place of Love like the sun through a Cape Cod foggy morning. Rather then punish the poor, the disabled, those who sleep in the dust , you and I can be part of the solution. We are all related, more same then different, each of us doing our very best to fulfill our divine purpose with all our stumbling even if we can't see it in the "other". Let's be examples of healing not harm, focusing on Light in heart and mind and spirit and walk cheerfully through this together.
Rachel Carey-Harper, clerk
Barnstable Friends Meeting, Marstons Mills
A recent article about clearing the homeless camps says its purpose was to "encourage people living in them to get off the streets" but is this true? The high price for a rental apartment, "affordable housing" geared to middle income wage earners, coupled with the extreme difficulties that any organization has in establishing a group living situation and the many bylaws of our towns seems designed to punish rather then help. To walk a path to solve this problem requires reassessment, both community policies, priorities and personal attitudes.
We are ALL part of the Divine whole; the illusions of the world do give way to the infinite place of Love like the sun through a Cape Cod foggy morning. Rather then punish the poor, the disabled, those who sleep in the dust , you and I can be part of the solution. We are all related, more same then different, each of us doing our very best to fulfill our divine purpose with all our stumbling even if we can't see it in the "other". Let's be examples of healing not harm, focusing on Light in heart and mind and spirit and walk cheerfully through this together.
Rachel Carey-Harper, clerk
Barnstable Friends Meeting, Marstons Mills
Toward Real Peace in a beautiful world --
published in Cape Cod Times Oct. 16, 2014
Recent letters to the editor criticize County Human Rights commissioner Elenita Muniz for saying “…everyone who is white-skinned is racist.” One author says she "…should be investigated for hate speech and terminated.” My purpose for writing is not to judge or get into an argument. Rather to offer a personal statement originally written in 2002 (with slight updating). It also contains a prayer from me and my Friends Meeting for this holiday season, a time of Light returning....Hello, my name is Rachel and I'm a racist. No, I'm not secretly a member of the KKK; rather I have come to admit that my attitudes and assumptions around race are unmanageable in a just society. I look to a Power greater then myself to restore me to sanity.Just as our collective thinking about what it means to be an alcoholic has changed from simply a derelict with a paper sack to include "respectable" people, so my personal thinking has changed regarding the affliction of racism. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a racist as a person who “…believes that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.” While I certainly don't consciously believe this, what about an unconscious belief because of being raised in white privilege? Doesn't this count?At a very early age I was very carefully taught and conditioned. Being from a "good" Quaker family, it was most easy for me to deny any part of this problem. Of course prejudice is wrong. And after all, Friends were on the forefront of the civil rights movement. Yet white privilege has affected the very structure of my mind. I viewed white practices, customs and attitudes as the norm against which others were to be compared. My spirit requires that I now struggle with the results of these attitudes and entitlements not enjoyed by other groups, including:• Not having to see or feel that Ferguson or all such incidents — before and after — are in any way connected to me or are my problem.• Still looking at faces of my society’s leaders and seeing mostly people of my race (congress is 87% white yet people of color make up 30% of our population).• Having my race be the source of all the art and music "Great Masterpieces.”• Being taught in school about all the famous explorers, philosophers, leaders, etc. who happened to all be members of my race. The list goes on.Although I have been slow to precisely name my addiction, I have been in recovery for some time now. Knowing that I am FAR from perfect, I try to educate myself, promptly admit it when I am wrong regarding issues faced by people of color, and work at make amends. Just as importantly, I seek through prayer to bring spiritual energy for a solution both within my heart and the world. I look forward to someday reaping a harvest of Joy, Light and Oneness......In closing we ask each reader: Are we morally, spiritually and visibly, stepping into this moment? Are we bearing witness both to the injustice and also to how Spirit is being made manifest for us at this particular time and situation? How do we build a truly beloved community that embraces that of God in everyone? Are we a part of this awakening, speaking Truth about who we are in relationship to all humankind, all our relations?At this season, may each of us be lamps of pure Love and Light to bring a new dawn of real peace into this beautiful world.Rachel Carey-HarperBarnstable Friends Meeting
My View" column published in the Cape Cod Times 10/16/2012
Especially during this election season the following speaks strongly to Barnstable Friends (Quaker) Meeting (a Preparative Meeting of Mattapoisett Monthly Meeting).
“THERE IS A SPIRIT which I feel that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things, in hope to enjoy its own in the end.
Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to weary out all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever is of a nature contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all temptations.
As it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thoughts to any other. If it be betrayed, it bears it, for its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of God.
Its crown is meekness, its life is everlasting love unfeigned…” James Nayler, written two hours before his death in 1660 at age 42. A prominent English Quaker leader, Nayler was convicted of blasphemy, imprisoned and tortured.
It is so easy slip into the negative, not only in today's politics but also in all aspects of our lives. Instead of an abundance of compassion we fall into criticism and judgmental thinking, either initiated by ourselves or by supporting the negative perceptions of others. Even when we simply keep these thoughts to ourselves they have effect. Whether stated or not, they create an atmosphere of mistrust, acrimony and conflict. Once on this slippery slope of adversarial engagement, the temptation of that mindset becomes impossible to resist. Negativity breeds more negativity.
Yet Barnstable Friends Meeting believes that there is something described in Nayler’s writing that can carry us into a higher state of consciousness. There is a Spirit that puts to rest all blame and shame and can lead us on a path to true, complete joy. The quality of delight spoken of above, is one of a happiness so pure it does not require any conditions to powerfully illumine our lives. It is Light that transcends all that pulls us down, because it's life "is everlasting love unfeigned."
If interested in this seeking please contact the Meeting clerk at rch@cape.com for date and time of a discussion group or visit http://quakersofthelight.blogspot.com. All are welcome to join with Barnstable Friends Meeting as we deeply explore this writing and how to make deLight more real in our lives.
Rachel Carey-Harper, clerk
approved Barnstable Friends Meeting on 10/14/2012
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