Washington Ethical Society

Rep. Raskin as he imagines what the world could look like with the strong leadership of communities like WES, and Amanda as she invites us to envision what that leadership can be in the year to come.

February 26, 2017. In this “auction” platform, Amanda will explore the idea of generational identity–and what gifts and challenges we find being part of a truly multi-generational community like WES. Or in other words, will we ever agree on what counts as popular music? We will also welcome new members in a special ceremony. Music from mezzo soprano Emily Jaworski.

February 19, 2017. Most people come to Ethical Culture through other religions​–​with very little ​initial ​understanding of what Ethical Culture ​really ​is and no idea of its history. Melissa will highlight the Core Values of Ethical Culture​, including how we teach them to our children and experience them as adults,​ and share what it means to say “I am an Ethical Culture Humanist​!” Music from the WES Chorus.

February 12, 2017. “To Thine Own Self Be True: Pay Attention to Love Day,” Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader. As we mark our annual celebration of love, we focus on loving...ourselves! What does it look like, feel like, sound like when we truly love ourselves, just as we might hope to love someone else, or to be loved? Join us for this joyful honoring of self (and once we love ourselves, imagine what can happen for each other!). Music from singer/songwriter LEA.

February 5, 2017. "Examining Identity to Embrace a More Inclusive Humanism," Sincere Kirabo, Social Justice Coordinator, American Humanist Association. Join our guest Sincere as he examines how we can evolve our humanist lens to regard the nexus of difference that makes up our identities, experiences, and worldviews. To do that, we must first better understand identity: what it entails, the ways it impacts each individual's social position, and how it relates to intersectionality. A deep and thoughtful beginning to our month-long exploration of Identity.

January 29, 2017. “Heroes Every Day,” Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader. Who are the people who have been our heroes in this past year? Who has restored YOUR faith in human goodness? And how can we be heroes ourselves? Join us for this heart-full platform.

January 22, 2017. As we move into a new presidential administration, whatever thought we had of being bystanders must be set aside. We are now the ones who must hold a vision for America, and who must act to make that vision come true. How are we called to be in the months ahead? What is WES’ particular role in this time? Don’t miss this platform that will invite each of us into visioning together.

January 15, 2017. “A Tale of Two Stories,” The Rev. Leon Dunkley. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. . . .” Charles Dickens wrote these words in 1859—the same year that Charles Darwin put forward his theory of evolution, and the same year that John Brown famously or infamously raided Harper’s Ferry. The shape of American history depends on how we tell the story. Fifty years ago, in 1967, Martin Luther King told a story of war in an address that he delivered in New York City. Beyond Vietnam, the address that he delivered on April 4th of 1967 is regarded as King’s highest achievement as well as his most costly mistake. Have we gained in these five decades the perspective that we need to determine which one of these is true?

January 8, 2017. Throughout our lives, we meet people who seem to embody, even radiate, Ethical Culture without ever having been exposed to it. Our WES delegation has partnered with such people in the tiny village of El Rodeo, El Salvador. How have we managed to form such tight bonds with villagers whose backgrounds are so different from our own? Our Global Connections team member members Peggy Goetz and teen Russell Corbin share their experiences and describe the spirit of Ethical Culture that is alive and thriving in our sister community in El Salvador.

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