Social Justice Council

In late 2023, a simmering fever of social justice advocacy was brewing within a small group of St. David’s parishioners about issues arising in our community, state and country.  Oppression of marginalized communities, Wabanaki sovereignty rights, the true source of poverty and its impact on people, political advocacy’s place in our Episcopalian tradition, how to serve and provide aid to new Mainers when they arrive from countries far away and other issues were becoming more prominent. 

At a vestry meeting, this growing undercurrent was felt.  One member volunteered to ask a few parishioners about their interest in forming an action oriented Social Justice Council.  In December 2023, our first SJC gathering was held.

Since then, our passionate group of activists have prayed and listened to discern SJC’s role in St. David’s and our community.  SJC exists to provide St. David’s parish with social justice education, communicate social justice issues and advocacy resources, explore migrant aid resources, encourage discussion via book studies and speaker events, relay Diocese and national church issues and positions, vet resources (Episcopal Social Justice, Episcopal Migration Ministries, SPLC, Maine Council of Churches, for example) and promote action on issues. Our Episcopal faith calls us to respect the dignity of EVERY human being as modeled by Jesus via his compassion, his words to those in power and his love of ALL people. At St. David’s, we strive to follow his example, as well as words from James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the Word and deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This includes our call to live out our Social Justice response – to hold up the dignity of all people, no matter who they are.

If you sense a call to explore our work, contact our St. David’s office about your interest.

Social Justice Council Op Ed on Maine Issue 1, 2025

Your St. David’s Social Justice Council believes it’s been called to offer an “Internal Social Justice Council Op Ed” for the first time.  It is about Ballot Issue 1.  Its exact language is below for you to review.

ISSUE/QUESTION 1: “Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?”

A constitutional right in our country is for all eligible people to vote, as a primary way to participate in our government and elections.   Elections then determine our rights as a society which impact social justice in our democracy.  Your SJC believes several of these proposed changes to Maine Election Laws in Issue 1 negatively impact the ability of large groups of Maine citizens to exercise their right to vote.  Of particular note, seniors and people with disabilities will experience new obstacles to voting.  Is this consistent with our baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of all people?

We see vague language in this ballot such as “limit the number of drop boxes” (how many will be available and where), “show certain photo ID” (student ID’s and Tribal Photo Id’s will not be accepted) and “make other changes to our elections?” (what are these other possible and unnamed changes).  

For these reasons, your SJC believes socially justice minded citizens should vote NO on Issue 1.  Of course, your vote is your vote.  Thank you for listening and please vote.   

St. David’s Textile Drives are a “Win-Win”!

St. David’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunk offers three Textile Drives annually to demonstrate their passion to care for Mother Earth by reducing textiles and footwear going into area landfills.  Their last three drives have kept over 13 tons out of landfills thanks to donations from area businesses and neighbors in Ogunquit, Arundel, Kennebunk, K’Port, Wells and other area communities.  Figures from their Nov 15 drive are still being calculated.
Their family owned recycling and repurposing partner, EcoSmith Recyclers, makes a contribution to St. David’s for textiles and footwear collected. 
A portion of their proceeds are then donated to agencies or nonprofits chosen by St. David’s Social Justice Council who strive to address social justice issues. 
Their Social Justice Council made a donation in November to Kennebunk’s “Community Outreach Services” due to their mission to serve food challenged families.  “In light of recent negative impacts on families’ ability to access food, this was an easy and mission driven choice.  Our Council was formed two years ago to address social justice issues,” per Sandra McPhee, a Council member. “Food insecurity is a social justice issue, and we’re humbled to be able to help in this way.  Mark Jago and his team at COS do phenomenal work to serve our neighbors in need.”
Janet Oliver, Textile Drive co-coordinator, echoed Sandra.  “Our Textile Drives are win-wins for our climate and area agencies.  We’ll always give back to help our neighbors from our drive proceeds.”
Mark Jago, COS Executive Director, was excited to receive this donation.  “We’re blessed to not only be able to serve our neighbors year-round, but also to receive such a wonderful win-win donation.  It’s special to know these funds came from a climate focused action and St. David’s Social Justice Council.”
St. David’s next Textile Drive will be on March 21, 2026, from 10-1 in the Quest Fitness parking lot in Kennebunk. 
 

From left to right: David Higham, COS Food Program Director, Stephanie Hatfield, Exec. Asst., Rob Smith, St. David’s Social Justice Council, Janet Oliver, St. David’s Textile Drive Co-coordinator, Mark Jago, COS Exec. Director