UUCM has a long history of social justice witness and action.

In the early 19^th century, the Reverend David Osgood and his daughter, Lucy Osgood, were local leaders in anti-slavery advocacy; and Lydia Maria Child, who grew up in the church, became nationally known as a fearless abolitionist and strong supporter of both women’s rights and Native American rights. George Luther Stearns, a lifelong member of the congregation and passionate abolitionist, was one of the Secret Six financing John Brown’s militant anti-slavery Raid at Harper’s Ferry and the principal recruiter of the 54^th Regiment of the United States Army during the Civil War, the first Black regiment in US history. In the 20th century, the Reverend Eugene Adams marched in Selma to support Black civil rights, preached in support of the United Farmworkers Union, and frequently demonstrated against war locally.

Our church’s commitment to social justice continued in the recent past in actions such as:

• Assisted in planning the first Medford Conversations series on “Who Belongs? Dialogues about Race and Ethnicity in Medford and Beyond.”

• Held a ‘Welcoming’ service, for members of the Malden Islamic Center and the Medford Bangladeshi community, followed by lunch and conversation, later augmented by strong support for the new Islamic Cultural Center of Medford.

• Organized weekly demonstrations on our lawn protesting the death of George Floyd and proclaiming that Black Lives Matter.

• Joined with over 600 other UU congregations in organizing a White Supremacy Teach-In.

• Held a year-long series of monthly films of interest to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Worked to support the SafeMedford program.

• Sponsored talks open to the Medford community by speakers such as Aviva Chomsky (Immigration) and Andrew Bacevich (Our Endless Wars).

This tradition of witness and action continues at the church today:

♦ The church provides housing for a family of refugees and sponsors letter writing campaigns for affordable housing locally.

♦ We take up special collections to support nonprofits dedicated to helping homeless families. 

♦ Our flags in the front of the church publicly display our support of LGBTQ+ rights and Black Lives Matter principles. 

♦ Our sign announcing that the Food Pantry at the church is open every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 pm testifies to our commitment to helping people in need.

♦ Public demonstrations and vigils in front of the church address various issues, including most recently:

Support for Ukraine

Climate Crisis awareness

Support for a cease-fire in Gaza

♦ Current Action: There is a PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH every Tuesday from 4:45-5:45 toPROTEST MASS DEPORTATION AND ICE TERRORISM. This is a silent demonstration. All are welcome to bring a sign & join us.

If you are interested in more information about our Social Justice work, please contactSteve Schmidt at lesapeuruu@gmail.com