In 1919, as the worldwide ecumenical movement began to flourish, representatives from 62 congregations gathered in downtown Seattle at Plymouth Congregational Church.
Determined to unite to make their churches stronger, they formed the Seattle Federation of Churches, which ultimately became the Church Council of Greater Seattle.
Originally a Protestant organization, over the years the Council has embraced all denominations and many interfaith partners. It has also developed a distinctly activist character in keeping with the Pacific Northwest's pioneering spirit and the Christian call for compassion.
The themes of peace, economic justice and religious tolerance reverberate through the decades with the Council’s involvement in causes such as disarmament, support for the livable wages, anti-Vietnam-war demonstrations and the expansion of interdenominational and interfaith initiatives.
Another important focus has been the effort to promote greater understanding among the diverse racial and ethnic groups that make up our community. From opposing the exclusion of Japanese immigrants, to advocating for civil rights and school desegregation, the Council has fought for social justice.
The Church Council has also adopted an increasingly professional approach to helping people in need. During the World War II era we conducted clothing drives and assembled food baskets.
In later decades, we began to offer comprehensive transitional housing, feeding, employment, youth development and pastoral care services. Church Council programs now employ more than 40 human services professionals working to help people recover from crisis, gain self-sufficiency and claim brighter futures.
In the opening years of the 21st century we at the Church Council have renewed our commitment to strengthen the ecumenical community and engage our members in civic life.
Whether we are educating congregations about the needs of homeless people or offering job training and mentoring to kids coming out of jail, the Church Council will continue to build on faith and bring people together to create a better community for us all.
