Friends,
This year’s church budget includes a line item for participation in the Shuumi land tax program of the Sagorea Te’ Land Trust, an urban, Indigenous, woman-led organization that facilitates the return of Indigenous land to Indigenous people. Copied below is the letter I wrote to the land trust and enclosed with our congregations’ check of support.
God’s Peace,
Ben
PS For more information on the Sagorea Te’ Land Trust, check out their website: click here
Dear Sagorea Te’ Land Trust,
Enclosed, please find a check that represents Montclair Presbyterian Church’s participation in the Shuumi land tax program.
It seems fitting that we, as a Christian church should participate in programs that lead to the restoration of Indigenous land, especially since our Sanctuary is built on the banks of Temescal Creek. Because Ohlone people established shell mounds at the mouth of Temescal Creek and built sweat lodges along the watercourse, we assume (perhaps incorrectly) that Temescal Creek is culturally important to Ohlone people, and that our sacred space is squatting on land that was sacred for thousands of years before Presbyterians established ourselves here a little more than 90 years ago.
Please accept this gift with our prayers and our blessings and with our gratitude for all you are doing to work for justice. We look forward to learning more about how we can support your work in the future.
Sincerely,
Rev. Ben Daniel
Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland