The Olympia community has experienced acts of physical and verbal violence against persons of color, gay, lesbian, and transgender persons, and those of different religious traditions. These acts erode the spirit and purpose of true community.
We seek to reach out to all members of our community, including those who are most vulnerable, to make sure that needs are met, shelter is provided and access to services is guaranteed.
As representatives and members of faith communities, we are rooted in spiritual traditions and teachings about how we are to be in this world, and we bring our spiritual values to bear on these and other civic issues, and we urge others to do the same.
To that end, we, the faith communities of Olympia, submit our statement of shared values that we hope the larger community will adopt as a standard of behavior and as a tool for dialogue as we seek to live together in a way that nurtures the well-being of all people.
- As a community, we recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all persons. In doing so, we strive to practice respect and compassion towards one another, engage in civil dialogue, honor each individual as we ourselves would like to be honored.
- As a community, we recognize our interdependence. In doing so, we strive to work collaboratively, bringing all voices to the table to solve community issues for the benefit of everyone.
- As a community, we believe we must create a society where all people are able to live into their best selves. In doing so, we use our best efforts to work together for the common good. This means that public officials and citizens speak out with one voice against bigotry, racism, and religious prejudice.
- As a community, we strive to live our shared values as we work to build a community that welcomes and respects the unique gifts brought by all those who make up our diverse Olympia community.
Rabbi Seth Goldstein
Rev. Carol McKinley
Rev. Thomas Perchlik
Rev. Terry Murray
Rev. Amy Elizabeth Hessel
Rev. Robert C. Laird
Rev. Howard E. Ullery
Rev Ed Lovelady
Rev. Donald Maddux
Rev. Wendy Taylor
Rev. Resa Eileen Raven
Rev. Nancy Yount
Rev. Dr. William Hardwick
Rev. Kathleen Bellefeuille-Rice
Rev. Katherine Keough
Rev. Tammy Stampfli
Rev. Peter K. Perry
Corey Passons, Interfaith Minister
Pastor Doug Dornhecker
Rev. Molly Knutson-Keller
Rev. Doug Knutson-Keller
Rev. Terri Lolcama
Rev. Sandy Ward
Rev. Emily Melcher
Rev Melinda E Holloway
Rev. Dr. John Van Eenwyk
Rev. Dr. Diane S. Whalen
Mayor Cheryl Selby
Jessica Bateman
Nathaniel Jones
Clark Gilman
Julie Hankins
Jeannine Roe
Jim Cooper
Olympia Charter for Compassion 