We’ve rounded the corner on a year of social distancing, virtual relationships, and shuttered buildings; theatre and concert venues are cautiously opening to reduced crowds. Many of us have been longing to return to business as usual, but those days are gone.
How can we go forward into this new normal? How can we learn the lessons this pandemic has taught? And how are we to go deeper into the mission of our ethical union as we face the challenges this pandemic has left behind?
Dr. Nori Rost has travelled a circuitous path in search of truth and meaning. She was a minister with Metropolitan Community Church (a queer Christian denomination) for almost 20 years before making a UU turn 13 years ago. Since 2008, she has served as minister of the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church.
Nori calls herself an “optimistic humanist” and believes we each have within us something that calls us to our highest selves. Whether that’s the evolutionary impulse that first led us ashore, the universal innate experience of love, or something else, she’s still following that call and is always in awe of the miracles and mysteries of life in its most common forms.
She is passionate about social justice and has been involved in social rights activism since she was 17. She is an outspoken advocate for justice and equity and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work.
Nori holds a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and a Doctor of Ministry from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also holds a Certificate for Spiritual Direction from the Benet Hill Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
This Week’s Charity: Rise & Root Farm
Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings usually begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest. Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Ethical Culture philosophy. A collection basket is passed and money is shared between the Society and a charity selected for that day. While contributions are always appreciated, Sunday meetings are free and open to the public. Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.
To view previous Sunday Platform addresses and interviews, visit the Ethical NYC YouTube channel.
