Our congregation traces its roots back to the Hopedale Community, a Universalist Christian Socialist Collective. The Hopedale Community practiced pacifism and egalitarianism and thus the members were abolitionists and suffragists. We strive to continue their legacy with our work in the community on behalf of economic, racial, and environmental justice as well LGBTQ rights. We are Standing on the Side of Love with other Unitarian Universalists and community partners seeking a more just, sustainable, equitable, and loving community. Some of the ways we live out our faith are listed below. Click the links in the summaries for a more detailed explanation of each ministry.
LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation – Hopedale Unitarian Parish is safe place for members of the LGBTQ community. We welcome and celebrate the participation and presence of people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. We are in the process of becoming a UUA recognized Welcoming Congregation. We are currently educating our members and friends about LGBTQ issues and the practices of radical hospitality.
Green Sanctuary – We are an Accredited Green Sanctuary recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations’ Office of Congregational Stewardship Service, in 2011. We endeavor to minimize the environmental impacts of our building, educate and engage our congregation as well as the larger community about environmental issues. We have reduced our carbon footprint and achieved great things as part of the Green Sanctuary program and we plan to continue to promote good environmental and social stewardship as an integral part of the life of the church going forward.
Red Wagon Collection – Once a month the young people of the congregation use a red wagon to collect parish contributions for the food pantry at the Memorial School in Hopedale.