Rev. Dr. John T. Morehouse, Senior Minister of the Unitarian Church in Westport has lived in Westport since 2015.
The Morehouses have been living in Fairfield for centuries. Some are undoubtedly distant relatives. I am also a descendant of Noah Webster who has roots in this area. I find that fact especially ironic because I am such a terrible speller. My great grandfather the Rev. Daniel Webster Morehouse served as a Unitarian field secretary for Western MA and CT American Unitarian Association in the late 19th century. I grew up in Croton-on-Hudson NY.
I see myself as a transformer and feel honored to be here now.
Over the course of COVID, we quarantined with my daughter and her partner. With two very different generations in the house we all have learned a great deal. As a father and husband, I want to do all I can to protect my family but as a minister that focus is much wider. I had to constantly balance my desire to protect the ones I love with the need to reach out to those I serve. This balance becomes harder to maintain as we begin to open up as a congregation at this important time in history.
Social and racial justice is at the heart of our emerging faith as a progressive religious people. We have long stood behind the Black Lives Matter movement. We are committed to understanding our own white privilege and then acting our faith as allies for people of color. I’d like to see Westport keep opening to new perspectives and not be defensive. We all have something to learn.
Social and racial justice is at the heart of our emerging faith as a progressive religious people.
When it comes to re-opening we must keep our options open. We will continue our on line worship and add small gatherings. We need to continually connect with one another in order to bring one another along. There is no normal here. It’s hard work and it will lead to a new community.
On September 23, 2020, Reverend Dr. Morehouse offered a letter to his Westport congregation reflecting upon the importance of the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died on Friday, September 18th. Read his letter here.