Announcement from the Social Justice Commission

To: All the Faithful

From: Social Justice Commission

Re: IPD25

Date: September __, 2025

Sacred Journey to Deer Island on Indigenous People's Day

Indigenous People’s Day

Sacred Journey to Deer Island – October 13, 2025

Join us two months from today as Episcopalians in the Commonwealth mark the beginning of the 350th anniversary of Metacomet’s Rebellion (King Philip's War) with a sacred journey on Monday, October 13, to Deer Island, MA – the internment site where hundreds of Native people died from exposure and starvation in the winter of 1675 - 1676. This spiritual experience of place, presence and reflection will be guided by Native neighbors, supported by Episcopal congregations and include the bishops of both dioceses. This is a family-friendly event. A resource is being prepared for young children.

OCTOBER 13 - DRAFT Schedule for WMA Participants

8:00 am -- Van leaves Christ Church Cathedral
9:00 am -- Arrive at St. Paul's, Natick for light continental breakfast
10:00 am -- Bishop's welcome, prayer, preparation for the day
11:00 am -- Buses leave for 60 min drive to Deer Island
12:30 pm -- Ceremony led by Native neighbors, and time to experience the place in silent reflection
1:30 pm -- Buses return to St. Paul's with box lunches
4:00 pm -- Arrive back at Christ Church Cathedral

REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 3

This joint IPD event is co-sponsored by both Episcopal dioceses in the Commonwealth. Funding from our Social Justice Commission will help compensate native scholars and storytellers. There is no cost for participants, but donations are most welcome.

Our Preparation and Prayer Before October 13

Metacomet's Rebellion /

King Philip's War

September 23 @ 7:00 - 8:30 PM

This event is part of a series of offerings in commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the beginnings of Metacomet’s Rebellion. Pokanoket Tribal Historian Don Strong Turtle Brown Jr. will explain how early skirmishes and clashes in culture from the Native peoples’ earliest contacts with Europeans eventually led to Metacomet’s Rebellion. Registration is required.

Remember & Lament October 12

In their joint statement of support for the MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda, Bishops Fisher and Whitmore encouraged congregations to mark Sunday October 12th with a Liturgy of Remembrance and Lamentation.

This resource has been approved by Bishop Fisher for use on October 12 at the principal Eucharist.

Holy Listening

October 12 @ 4 PM

Native voices reflect on the Deer Island expulsion in the Zoom gathering on the eve of our sacred journey.

REGISTRATION COMING SEPTEMBER 3

Mission

Following Jesus’ call to discipleship and seeking to live into our baptismal promises, the Social Justice Commission of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts strives, with our congregations, to create new ways to heal injustice, challenge violence, pursue peace, and care for creation.

Members

Ms. Leah Gregg co-chair

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher ex-officio

The Rev. Steven Wilco ex-officio

The Rev. Vicki Ix ex-officio

Ms. Alexizendria Link

The Rev. Meghan Mantler co-chair

The Rev. Jimmy Pickett

Ms. Meredith Haider

Ms. Katharine Burnett

The Rev. Tim Crellin

Ms. Jahn Hart

Ms. Donna Kimball

The Rev. Dr. Nina Ranadive Pooley

The Rev. George Porter

Dr. Elizabeth Zipf

STAY CONNECTED

@EpiscopalWMA | 413-737-4786 | diocesewma.org