DC Off The Hill: Get Yourself Some Religion!

This week, we continue our series "DC Off The Hill," which celebrates some of the lesser-known (but still wonderful!) sights in Washington, DC. In honor of last week's celebrations of Passover and Easter, this post is about the many beautiful and vibrant worship communities in DC.

One of the first things that struck me when I moved to DC was how dynamic spiritual communities are here. Of course, I love the National Cathedral (and particularly recommend their monthly labyrinth walks), but I think that you can learn a lot about the history (and future) of DC by getting to know other religious communities in the city. Here are just a few communities that are worth getting to know:

1. Friends Meeting of Washington This is a beautiful example of classic Quaker architecture and has a great deal of history behind it (President Hoover use to worship here!). The community is fantastic (and good friends of FCNL!), and I'm sure that they would love an opportunity to share silent worship with visiting Friends (or friends-of-Friends).
2. St. Augustine’s Catholic Church St. Augustine's is the oldest black Catholic Church in DC (the parish celebrated their 150th anniversary last year!) and is lovingly called the Mother Church of black Catholics in Washington. Founded in opposition to the segregation practiced in other churches at the time, St. Augustine's has a strong commitment to social justice. They also happen to have a phenomenal gospel choir and one of my favorite local buildings (pictured above).
3. All Souls, Unitarian I'm a frequent visitor to All Souls and am never disappointed by their powerful preaching, beautiful music and kind faces. Currently, they are displaying "Hiroshima Drawings: Gifts of Peace and Hope" in their community hall. These drawings were given to children at All Souls from children in Hiroshima in 1948, to thank them for collecting art and school supplies for Hiroshima schools. The pictures are beautiful and the story of peace is timeless. Word to the wise: if it's your first time visiting All Souls, the church will treat you to a delicious homemade lunch. YUM!
4. The Historic 6th and I Synagogue This 100 year old synagogue has a wide variety of social justice events, educational lectures and live music concerts happening every day of the week. It was recently named one of the 25 most vibrant Jewish congregations in the country by Newsweek Magazine, and in addition to having a wonderful community, the building itself is also stunning.
5. The Potter's House To quote their website, Potter's House "is a restaurant, a bookstore, a gift shop, a concert venue, a theatre, an art gallery, a gathering place for innocent conversation, work meetings, worship or subversive activism." This is one of many outreach ministries of Church of the Savior, a radical, inclusive, ecumenical community that has done so much for the people of this city. I particularly recommend participating in Taize services at The Potter's House.
6. Islamic Center of Washington Founded in 1944, this is both the center of Muslim life in DC and a powerful advocate for dialog between US leaders and the Islamic world. They have a wide variety of events and classes throughout the year and are always welcoming to visitors.
7. Hall of Remembrance A moving memorial to victims of the Holocaust that is used for community ceremonies as well as personal reflection. Part of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Email the Author | Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook