Land Acknowledgements

Some of the dynamics and wonders of the Hebrew Scriptures may be missed by us who have such an emphasis on the New Testament (which may be reflected when we describe the Hebrew Scriptures as the Old Testament).

 When it comes to highlighting the importance of the truth in making us free, the amazing inclusion of the good and bad, beautiful and ugly, in the Hebrew Scriptures can be powerful and dynamic assets. One is in coming to understand better the horrible realities of history, and the important place and need for laments. Land Acknowledgements can be a step in remembering truth in order for us to be free indeed.

 Along these lines I affirm the use of the "Land Acknowledgement" that was used at Annual Conference. Our congregation, Eel River Community COB, has a plaque prominently displayed in our narthex. This came about after a very persistent group in our congregation had diligently studied and made connections related to the history of indigenous peoples in our area. The text on the plaque reads:

 "The Eel River Community Church of the Brethren acknowledges that the land on which we live and worship has been the home of numerous groups of Indigenous peoples. Most recently, people of the Potawatomi, Miami, and Shawnee lived in this area, but were forcibly removed by U.S. governmental policies of Indian removal and genocide. We recognize those policies enabled our ancestors to establish themselves on these lands.

 As followers of Jesus we vow to do our part to heal the impact of these injustices and build healthy relationships with the descendants of those affected. We seek to be good stewards of this land and to honor the sacredness it held for those who nurtured it and were nurtured by it before our time. We understand that this land was created by God for all peoples and is a sacred gift that must be cared for sustainably by all."

Roger Eberly

a member of the Eel River Community CoB