In a special service on Sunday, April 16 at 10 a.m., the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester will pay reparations to the Lenni Lenape people. For the service, the congregation will be joined by Chief Chuck DeMund of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, who will share stories, history, and teachings, as well as information about current struggles for recognition. All proceeds from the special collection will benefit the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania.
The reparations program began with a conversation the congregation’s Minister, Rev. Dan Schatz, held with the Social Justice Committee and Board of Trustees. “We often acknowledge that our building stands on land that is part of the Lenape homeland,” said Rev. Schatz, “but without reparations, acknowledgments don’t mean that much.” The congregation, which shares its offering with community organizations once a month, decided to commit one Sunday a year to the Lenape people. “Many of us will be giving reparations for the land on which our homes sit, as well as the congregation,” said Rev. Schatz, “and this year is just a beginning.”
Chief Chuck DeMund of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. (Submitted Photo)
In giving reparations, Rev. Schatz acknowledges the complicated issues involved. “There are Lenape who were forcibly removed to reservations in the West, and there are Lenape here in Pennsylvania, struggling for legal recognition. Both deserve support. We decided to begin by giving to the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania because it offers us the opportunity to be directly engaged and begin to build relationships.”
Pennsylvania is one of only 13 states that that does not recognize a tribe within its boundaries. The Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, a 501c3, is lobbying the state legislature for the same status granted to Lenape communities…
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