On Thursday, February 12, I joined almost 200 faith leaders and advocates from across Washington to gather in O for Interfaith Advocacy Day, a powerful reminder that advocacy is not only civic engagement but also a spiritual practice.
At least a dozen Unitarian Universalists were in attendance, representing congregations in Woodinville, Kitsap, Edmonds, and University Unitarian. Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee, representing JUUstice Washington, opened the day in prayer and song, grounding participants in the shared conviction that the work of justice is sacred work.
The event embodied the power of coalition. Participants included Jewish, Jain, Sikh, and a wide range of Christian communities. Though prayers were offered in many voices and traditions, the collective cry for justice was unmistakably unified.
This year’s focus centered on passing a moral budget and advancing the Millionaire Tax (SB 6346 / HB 2724). Speakers underscored the stark realities of Washington’s tax structure. Advocates spoke urgently about protecting social services and addressing rising energy burdens. No state, speakers emphasized, can fully absorb the scale of federal cuts under the Trump Administration. “Don’t balance the budget on the backs of marginalized people” was a repeated refrain. When social services are decimated, people go hungry.
The role of advocates, we were reminded, is to say the uncomfortable thing to those in power. This is especially true for folks like me, in a rural district with conservative legislators.
Throughout the day, the Capitol pulsed with energy, with school tours, legislators, Head Start advocates, and faith leaders all navigating the same halls in pursuit of a more just Washington.
My group representing LD12 consisted of clergy and lay leaders from Faith Lutheran Church of Leavenworth and First United Methodist Church of Wenatchee, reminders that this work stretches across geography and denomination.
Our legislative meetings reflected the current political landscape. Staff in Sen. Keith Goehner’s office were friendly and professional, though candid that their priorities and values differ. His Legislative Assistant hadn’t heard of Unitarian Universalism and I wished I’d prepared a quick 30 second answer in advance! I managed to say that we are a faith rooted in love and justice. I hope that was enough. Rep. Brian Burnett’s office emphasized themes of law and order and “protecting kids,” using coded language that signaled to me that we have sharp contrasts in our approach.
Even so, conversations were held and seeds were planted. I don’t know what will come of these meetings, but I know that it was a deeply meaningful experience.