Recap: Multi-faith Convening -Lessons from Minneapolis
On March 26 we gathered together, we hosted a Multi-faith Convening: Lessons from Minneapolis with our partners at CAIR-WA, Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice (JCIJ), and Faith Action Network. Nearly 100 people of faith and conscience joined us to learn from leaders who responded to the call to go to Minneapolis in late January:
Rev. Justin Almeida - Affiliated Minister, University Unitarian Church & Board Certified Chaplain, Swedish Medical Centers
Rabbi David Basior - Kadima Reconstructionist Community
Rev. Amy Johnson - United Church of Christ National Ministries, Wayside UCC - Federal Way
Each of these leaders shared stories about their own experiences in Minneapolis, the lessons learned from their time there, and what we can do right now to ready ourselves. Special thanks to Rev. Amy for grounding us in song at the beginning and the end of the evening!
Just before our panelists, we shared an overview of the pillar theory, coined by Gene Sharp. Within this theory, faith as a pillar has a powerful role to play in promoting non-cooperation with mass deportations, as well as following the lead of impacted community members to know where and how we can collaborate for mutual aid, community safety, and more. As Rev. Justin said, "People of faith inhabit every single one of the pillars..." So, it is important that we are organizing our collective power in this moment.
We need all of us. It’s a moment to be clear on what unites us, on what the values that come from our religious traditions teach us – to welcome the stranger, to love and care for our neighbor, and to treat others with dignity. The function of xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism is to uphold the current structures of power, structures that are causing harm and not serving us. We know that we are safer and stronger when we stand together.
Rabbi David closed his remarks on the panel calling in the wisdom of Hillel "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” May we hold these questions as we continue to build this multifaith power together.
Take Action
Weaving Our Strengths
Weaving Our Strengths, historically organized by the Church Council, is a day of workshops and reflection to ground us in making change for liberation & justice. This year’s event will focus on noncompliance/noncooperation and is supported by our multifaith partners. Join us on April 25!
Sign up for updates:thechurchcouncil.org/wos
Engage with JCIJ
Walk side by side and accompany impacted community as they navigate the immigration system; advocate for immigrant justice at local, state & federal levels; and build community to mobilize faith communities.
Get involved at: jewishcoalition.org/volunteer
Nonviolent Direct Action Trainings
Get prepared to be a confident nonviolent presence at protests and direct actions. We don’t know what the next call to action will be, but this is a pivotal time to skill up and start building trust with others that will call us into action.
Sign up here:thechurchcouncil.org/nvda
Join WA for All Coalition
A coalition bringing together people from across the state to protect the rights and dignity of immigrants, refugees, and working families.
Sign-up for mobilization alerts at: tinyurl.com/waforall
Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/washingtonforall
WAISN Trainings
Rapid Response trainings:
April 30• May 14 • May 26
Know Your Rights with Immigration trainings:
April 15 • May 13 • June 17
