Racial Justice & Anti-oppression work
Adopted 8th Principle
On June 13, 2021, the members of East Shore Unitarian Church voted overwhelmingly to adopt the 8th Principle.
In doing so, we became one of the first 100 congregations to adopt this principle.
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
Our Mission
The mission of our 8th Principle Ministry Team is to create a Beloved Community within East Shore Unitarian Church and in the wider world. We actively and accountably work to address racial justice issues and all forms of oppression in ourselves and in our church as well as in our eastside community and beyond.
This team meets Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Contact Nicole for the information.
Upcoming Events
Join us for one of our upcoming events as we live our values!
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Issaquah
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Issaquah
On Repentance & Repair Book Discussion Group
On Repentance & Repair Book Discussion Group
Covenant of the Salmon People: Film and Discussion
Covenant of the Salmon People: Film and Discussion
On Repentance & Repair Book Discussion Group
On Repentance & Repair Book Discussion Group
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Kirkland
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Kirkland
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Woodinville
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Woodinville
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Bellevue
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Bellevue
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Issaquah
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance: Issaquah
Our Initiatives
Black Lives Matter Flash Stances
Inspired by his 2015 trip to Selma, AL to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, church member Manuel (Manny) Brown felt called to action. He was further inspired when he attended the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (yearly UU convention) a few months later when our governing body urged UUs across our country to support the Black Lives Matter Movement. Since then, a group of members meets most Sundays all over the eastside to share the message and spark conversations.
Indigenous Connections
If you are interested in learning more about indigenous-settler history and the challenges indigenous communities currently face, consider joining a subgroup of the 8th Principle Team. We are currently brainstorming ideas for programs, field trips, speakers, actions, and discussion groups for books and films. We welcome your presence and ideas! For the next several months, we will meet on zoom every other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to share ideas, resources and reflections.
Resources
Books & Film Recommendations
Here are recommended books and films from our Eighth Principle Ministry Team, including our Indigenous Connection sub-team. In this section of our resources you will find the following: This month’s...
Frequently Asked Questions
The 8th Principle Team takes time to answer some of our most asked questions. If you don't see a question on the list, please reach out for a personal response, we may just add it to our list! Q....
Organizations & Programs We Support
Our 8th Principle Team works with several organizations locally and nationally. We recommend several organizations who offer classes and programs great for deepening your understanding. 8th...
1997 UUA Resolution
WHEREAS the 1996 General Assembly resolved that all congregations, districts, organizations, and professional and lay leaders participate in a reflection-action process throughout the 1996-97 church...
Informational Websites
Land Grab Universities, A High Country News investigation, How the United States funded Land Grant Universities with expropriated Indigenous land. Native Land Digital, Search your address to find...
Widening the Circle of Concern
Widening the Circle of Concern series of classes offers a summary and discussion of the 2020 blueprint for the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and East Shore to become more anti- racist,...
Our 8th Principle Work
For testimonials from our members on why we support the 8th Principle, watch the video below (you will see 8 testimonials) or find them on our YouTube Channel.
Why I Am Voting For the 8th Principle
by Carrie Bowman I am voting for the 8th Principle because BIPOC Unitarian Universalists are telling us White Unitarian Universalists that this addition to our seven principles is necessary. BIPOC...
Why I Support the 8th Principle
by Amélie Heise Growing up as a UU, I was never really aware of how white our faith is until I reached high school and started to participate in race caucusing at our bi-annual conferences....
Why I Support the 8th Principle
by Marcy Langrock My family and I joined East Shore in 2013. East Shore is my first experience with the UU tradition. I was drawn to this community by its dedication to service and its advocacy...
News & Opinion Pieces
Attention Civic Activists
There is an opportunity for you and one other to represent ESUC in the Bellevue Police Interfaith Advisory Council. The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) has seven councils on which it seeks advice...
Jacob Johns Brings Indigenous Perspectives to COP28 in Dubai – A Call to Action
Earth and Climate Action Ministry (ECAM) and the Indigenous Connections Team invite you to University Unitarian Church in Seattle and Northlake UU Church in Kirkland for a presentation and Q&A...
Lummi House of Tears Carvers Totem Pole Stop at East Shore
On the last day of August, East Shore was again honored to welcome the Lummi House of Tears Carvers. The occasion, the one stop they made in King County, marked the day they set out on their Leonard...