UOB Inclusion Statements
Inclusion
With love, we welcome all people in every form as Divine creation. We embrace and honor the Divine within as the one common denominator that we share on our human journey. We recognize the perfection represented in the mosaic of all humans by race, culture, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, body type, disability, economic status, neurodiversity, life experience, belief, ideas, and perspective. We strive to expand beyond our individual unconscious biases, blinders, ignorance, and inexperience to create a space where gaps are uncovered, opportunities to be Love in action are identified, and wholeness is realized. We support Unity principles and programs that are non-discriminatory and inclusive in our teachings, language, and policies. We champion the course of human rights and social justice for all.
2SLGBTQIA+
Unity of Bellevue extends a warm invitation to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We know you have often been rejected by spiritual communities because of who you are or whom you love. Unity has a long history of performing commitment ceremonies and supporting marriage equality and immediately began performing legal ceremonies when marriage equality passed. Unity not only welcomes 2SLGBTQIA+ members and visitors in its centers but happily ordains 2SLGBTQIA+ ministers and credentials laypeople as licensed Unity teachers. We welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations and believe you are worthy of celebration exactly as the Divine made you.
Anti-Racism
Unity Worldwide Ministries stands for anti-racism, i.e., we are opposed to racial hatred, racial violence, bias, systemic racism, and the oppression of people of color. We stand for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for people who are marginalized because of color. No individual or group should be made to live in fear or excluded from society. Recent events in the United States and the world remind us that violent repression, prejudices, injustices, and inequalities towards people of color are embedded in societies, from social structures to institutions to cultures. Unity of Bellevue chooses to raise awareness and take positive action in dismantling systemic racism and the social structures that support injustice and prejudice.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the Coast Salish peoples past and present and we understand that their identity and richness of culture are deeply connected with the mountains, valleys, waterways, and shorelines that surround us all. While recognizing the impact of settler colonialism on indigenous peoples, we pledge to nurture our relationship with our own indigenous neighbors by joining their efforts to work for social justice and to care with gratitude for this shared land. Annually, we donate a monthly discretionary tithe to Duwamish Rent.
Access
Our building is a single-level, wheelchair accessible facility with ample ADA parking and wheelchair access in restrooms and through any door. Hearing assistive devices are available in the sanctuary and atrium. Our livestreams provide closed captioning on YouTube which can also be viewed on our website.