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

I have received an amazing amount of positive feedback from the community as well as the fellowship about this letter, published in May 8 Manhattan Mercury, so I am copying the letter here: The noose found on campus Friday (May 5) disturbs and upsets me, as a Unitarian Universalist minister and as a person. More importantly, … Continue reading Letter to the Mercury

Twentieth century American naturalist Edwin Way Teale expressed a sentiment many would agree with: “The world’s favorite season is the spring./ All things seem possible in May.” Spring brings us many signs of hope and celebration – graduations, recitals, flowers, baseball, picnics. We’re in the thick of that season. For thousands of years, May 1 has … Continue reading Celebrating May Day

Here at the intersection of risk (March’s theme) and transformation (April’s theme), I pause to observe our context. Our fellowship has committed itself to being a visible beacon of liberal religious messages of hope and meaning in our local community. That means taking risks to create transformation. The first requirement when we speak about transformation … Continue reading Growth and Change

No doubt about it, we’re in challenging times. Many people feel that everything changed with the national election last fall. That racial baiting and violence against people of color (whether immigrant or citizen, across the spectrum of religion) became more tolerable. That freedom of the press and speech are under siege. That Christianity has become … Continue reading A Pastoral Message for Challenging Times