At the end of February, I was asked to serve as short-term interim pastor of the Palisades Presbyterian Church here in the small town on the Hudson River north of New York City. My tenure here will be brief; I will serve only until mid-May when a new, full-time pastor will arrive. Part of my … Continue reading Easter, Passover, Ramadan
Five Hundred Million
How can it be so easy to put it out of mind? Granted, we have been preoccupied—this writer included—with the devastating news unfolding in Ukraine (even striking results from the January 6 House Committee investigation have been rendered to the margins). But how is it possible that there’s been so little coverage of the grim … Continue reading Five Hundred Million
The Value of Religious Dissent
Throughout history, religion has often been a strong bulwark against societal change. Organizations—representing every major faith group—are built on traditions that resonate deeply with believers. Such stasis impacts both the teachings and practices of religious hierarchies, forging alliances with those in power at the expense of the powerless. However, there have also always been a … Continue reading The Value of Religious Dissent
Christmas During Omicron
The scenes are reminiscent of days past—long lines waiting for Covid tests, overwhelmed hospitals, calendar dates altered or crossed-off. It is Christmas in the midst of Omicron and celebrations this year have a texture all their own. Plans with loved ones are in flux, sometimes quickly canceled or changed overnight with news about surges in … Continue reading Christmas During Omicron
Another Era Ends
In September 2007, Intersections International, an initiative of the Collegiate Church of New York, opened its doors as an innovative approach to global ministry in the 21st century. I was called as Founding Director and for the next ten years was privileged to be engaged in developing impactful approaches to addressing some of the world’s … Continue reading Another Era Ends