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 – Kirkland
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance – Kirkland
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance – Bellevue
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance – Bellevue
Widening the Circle of Concern: Congregations & Communities
Widening the Circle of Concern: Congregations & Communities
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance – Issaquah
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance – Issaquah
Widening the Circle of Concern: Congregations & Communities
Widening the Circle of Concern: Congregations & Communities
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance – Kirkland
Black Lives Matter Flash Stance – Kirkland
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.
Afghan Refugee Relief
In response to a number of Afghan refugee families settling in the Puget Sound area, East Shore is committed to assisting MAPS-MCRC in gathering appropriate household items for them.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How will having passed support for the 8th principle help us grow? A. Youth and families have different expectations in favor of social action and a forward look for which we believe the 8th...
Our Team Recommends
8th Principle Learning Community Lead by Paula Cole Jones, co-writer of the 8th Principle. Email: [email protected] to get invitations to monthly meetings. Also ask to join the Facebook 8th...
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
Na’ah Illahee Fund (NIF) Update: Blue Jay Festival Coming
Thank you to all who gave so generously to the Na'ah Illahee Fund, recipient of East Shore's Share the Plate collection during the month of October. Donations collected through East Shore were over...
Beloved Conversations Among Team
The Board has now approved a full team for our Beloved Conversations Among! This Board Task Force is made of Beloved Conversations grads and will work with a Coach to make systematic changes at East...
New Indigenous Connections Team
You are cordially invited to attend ESUC's new Indigenous Connections Team! If you are interested in learning more about indigenous-settler history and the challenges indigenous communities...
Now Extended! Your Help Needed for Afghan Refugee Families
Now extended until the end of the year! THANK YOU to all of those who have already contributed. The turnout for this project has been so amazing, we are able to continue collecting until the end of...
Beloved Conversations Within & Among
Are you interested in participating in Beloved Conversations? There are two opportunities! Beloved Conversations—the signature offering of The Fahs Collaborative at Meadville Lombard Theological...
Red Road to DC Totem Pole Journey Blessing Celebration
On Sunday, July 11, East Shore was honored with members of the Red Road to DC Totem Pole Journey who arrived in the afternoon for a blessing celebration of this year’s 20th anniversary journey. The...