What is “United in Faith: A Call to Action”?
United in Faith is an ecumenical gathering of people of faith from Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and surrounding communities. We gather in Edmonds as part of a growing national and global movement of faithful resistance—standing in solidarity to protect the integrity of our democracy, the depth of our values, and the soul of our shared future.
By coming together, we embolden our neighbors, support our civic institutions, and bear witness to a God of justice and love.
Speakers:
Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth residential bishop of the Greater NW Episcopal Area and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee, Bishop in the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). These two dynamic and powerful speakers are leaders of two of the largest Christian Denominations in the Pacific NW.
Purpose:
To educate, awaken, connect, and empower communities of faith to stand for justice, truth, moral courage, the vulnerable in our community, and the common good.
Why We Gather:
As Christians and people of faith in the greater Edmonds area, we are called to live out the values of love, compassion, justice, and truth. At this moment in history, when religion is being misused to consolidate power and silence dissent, we gather to raise up a different witness: a witness rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the prophetic tradition that calls us to love our neighbors, speak truth to power, and protect the vulnerable.
Our Shared Commitments:
Expose the misuse of religion for political gain.
We seek to raise awareness of how faith is being weaponized to legitimize authoritarian power and suppress dissenting voices.
Resist false anointings and cults of personality.
We stand against narratives that claim divine endorsement of any political leader or agenda, especially when they undermine justice, personhood, or the common good.
Uphold the freedom of faith, not the imposition of it.
We believe faith should never be coerced or legislated—especially in public schools and civic spaces. True faith inspires love with one another, not domination of the other.
Learn from history to guard against repeating it.
We remember how religious complacency and complicity enabled atrocities in the past—from Nazi Germany to other regimes that co-opted faith for oppression. We honor those who resisted, such as Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and countless unnamed faithful dissenters.
Activate hope and courage.
We invite people of faith to join a visible, peaceful public witness that proclaims: democracy, dignity, and truth still matter—and our voices can help preserve them.
Live the values Jesus taught:
Love your neighbor, NO exceptions Blessed are the meek, the peacemakers, the humble Welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable Resist the corruption of faith by power and profit
Who is the host for this event?
EPAG is the EUMC Political Action Group at Edmonds United Methodist Church. Formed in response to the 2024 election to support one another in the work of speaking out for justice and democracy, EPAG gathers monthly to talk about the latest issues, participate in protests, and collective actions. Learn more about EPAG HERE.
What is the format of the event?
A large ecumenical gathering with prayers, singing, speakers, and a call to action both in person and online.
Call to Action: the formation of a new coalition of local progressive churches who will create a network for joint action, rapid response, and to work together for the Common Good of our community under the increasingly authoritarian and repressive government.
The event is followed by an opportunity to learn more about political and service organizations in our area and access their resources and networks. In the Wesley room and the Narthex.
Resource Groups: To be announced soon.
Date & Time: Friday, October 24, 7 pm - in-person and on-line at https://www.edmondsumc.org/broadcast
The event is free and open to all
Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St. Edmonds, WA
Contacts:
Rev. Jeremy Smith, Pastor JeremyS@edmondsumc.org
Diana Nielsen, EPAG Chair, event organizer diana.nielsen@comcast.net