In a time where congregational life is in decline and words such as community or belonging can feel spoken in vain, how must we speak and live-out the values of Ethical Culture in such a way that the sound of it elicits the unthinkable, and yet, the meaningful? This platform is an exploration of love and logic used within language and changing culture. Believing that Ethic is Everyone, I invite you to come spell out its meaning, sound it out with dignity, and emphasize its vision.
Maybe Ethical Culture rests in the intelligibility of action, not just the spelling of its names.
Rev. Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper, Ph.D. (they/them) is an artist and Cultural Humanist. Both as performer and clergy at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis and within the Ethical Cultural Movement, their practice utilizes the body as preaching, decolonial Humanism, and Black Embodied-Intellectual Thought. Jé’s love for community-building involves the aesthetic ability within the envelopment of Black folk-talk– one of imagination as meaning-making. Their word-working emphasizes human freedom and interconnectedness through embodiment, intuition, creativity, and improvisation. Their most recent production Keep Liv’n expresses the importance of cultural care and self-care. Also, they are the clerical consultant at the Susquehanna Valley Ethical Society (the Valley) in Central PA. Jé as an artist has directed and created a film entitled, Humanitas: A Conscious Coloring of Kindness, along with other cultural programs that inform and inspire the human spirit. Exemplifying a commitment to equity and inclusion through the arts and congregational life, Jé enjoys working closely together to decenter the stage and share the spotlight of all those voices that make up beloved community. These kinds of transdisciplinary approaches console and agitate communities in re-imagining and re-claiming narratives that honor the inherited worth and dignity within all people– a love-work that Jé is committed to!
Presider: Leader Dr. Nori Rost
Monthly Collection: Foundation Beyond Belief Disaster Relief Fund
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 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 Humanist philosophy. Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.
To watch previous Sunday Platforms, visit our Videos page and YouTube channel.
