The deaths of armed service members in Niger brought to light the military presence of our nation in an unexpected place. When I noted to a group of local people, “We don’t even know–our Senate Armed Services Committee doesn’t even know–where we are militarily involved,” the response from one person was, “The question may be … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal – November 2017

Here is what I said to the Riley County Law Board (the group that oversees the Riley County Police Department) as a part of the testimony by the Coalition for Equal Justice on Monday, October 16: On behalf of the Coalition for Equal Justice, I want to thank the Law Board for your patience and … Continue reading Law Board Testimony

In these times of political uproar and justifiable anger and fear, we don’t want to lose track of the need for connection and centering, what I would call a spiritual connection. Why? Because without that, we too easily become lost in drives, emotions, and ego, marooned from our authentic selves and disconnected from the larger … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal – October 2017

This is the letter I sent to The Mercury, on behalf of Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice (MAPJ) on September 8. It remains relevant. To the Editor: I went to the Wednesday protest at Bosco Plaza of President Trump’s rescission of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. We heard so many dreams in that … Continue reading Support for the Dreamers

Welcome seems such a simple thing, but when you reflect on it, so many factors–large and small–go into it. I hope my welcome to all of you–long-time members, new folks, and even those of you who have never stepped into this space–feels genuine and warm.  I know that not everyone is cut out to be … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal – September 2017

Why do we have to denounce something as clearly horrible as Nazism and white supremacy? It ought to be clear. Every person of conscience knows that the ideas they endorse are anathema. As many of you know, Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice sponsored a rally in response to the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, this … Continue reading Countering White Supremacy

When you read this, I will likely be on vacation–headed back to West Virginia to revisit wonderful old haunts from decades ago. What will have changed? I wonder. What will still be the same? In our memories, our old homes and hangouts never change. Or maybe they do, as our memories are rarely photographic and … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal — August 2017

I write this month’s column from our General Assembly in New Orleans. We are listening to a diverse panel of people — various ages and racial identities — who all serve on the UUA Board, using their personal stories and experience to explore where we are as an association of congregations at this point in … Continue reading Report from General Assembly

One of the core questions of religion is why bad things happen, especially to good people. We seem to have more and more opportunities to ask that question. Vans and trucks plowing into people on sidewalks. The shooting of political representatives at a baseball game. A fire in London. The on-going war in Syria. Police … Continue reading The Tragedy of the World We Live In

Black Lives Matter activists continue to direct our attention towards black people, especially teenagers and young men, being shot by police. The latest story of the acquittal of former Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby for her shooting of Terence Crutcher reinforces the sense that justice will not be done in such cases. By the time … Continue reading Beyond Black Lives Matter