SouthernWorldwide.com – A long-standing Fourth of July tradition in a favored vacation spot of President Joe Biden has been canceled by a local church, which cited a desire to understand “our own whiteness.” This decision has ignited significant backlash from conservative critics.
The Nantucket Unitarian Universalists (NUU) and the Rev. Erin Splaine of the Second Congregational Meeting House Society announced the cancellation of their annual public reading of America’s founding documents. This event has been held for 25 years in downtown Nantucket on Independence Day.
The church’s letter, published by the Nantucket Current, stated that the cancellation reflects an “on-going process within the congregation to better understand our own whiteness.” This move comes as the nation prepares for its semiquincentennial celebrations, intensifying debates around how historical events and documents should be commemorated.
The Nantucket Unitarian Meeting House has consistently hosted the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights for a quarter-century. This tradition was a staple in the island’s Independence Day festivities, often promoted by local leaders and the chamber of commerce.
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Church leaders elaborated that the decision stems from internal discussions concerning race, privilege, and the historical, often unequal, application of constitutional rights. They noted that for centuries, the benefits of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution have not been equally applied to all citizens, particularly those who are not white.
The letter indicated that Rev. Splaine would not engage in discussions about the cancellation on social media, suggesting that concerned individuals could schedule an appointment to speak with her directly. She emphasized that social media is not the appropriate forum for “important, tender conversations.”
Nantucket, an exclusive island resort off the coast of Massachusetts, is known for attracting celebrities, millionaires, and billionaires. President Biden and his family have a decades-long tradition of visiting the island annually for Thanksgiving.
Critics swiftly took to social media to voice their disapproval. Many pointed to the island’s affluent demographic and suggested that some on the left are increasingly uncomfortable celebrating America’s origins, especially with the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching.
One X user commented, “If you know anything about Nantucket, you know that’s where the rich, privileged people live. Just another self important dem who thinks she’s important.” The user added, “OK Nantucket, break out those fireworks. Don’t let this idiot spoil your fun.”
Another user on X remarked, “Nothing says ‘inclusive’ like canceling a national holiday.”
A different X user stated, “Someone needs to tell this nitwit that over 600,000 white men died in the battle to end slavery in this country by the way, the only country that decisively fought to end slavery. I’m so tired of these people spewing lies because they refused to learn the truth. Pick up an old history book. It’s there.”
A further comment read, “She’s throwing a tantrum, and her congregation gets to take it and not ask any questions.”
In response to the Nantucket Unitarian Meeting House’s decision, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the island announced that it would proceed with reading the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. According to the Nantucket Current, Rev. Max Wolf of St. Paul’s stated, “We may not be there yet but we felt it was important to gather together and try to live up to the promises our country has made. Those documents are aspirational.”
