The Founding of Ethical Culture

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society On the eve of an election whose outcome weighs heavily on us all, Hugh Taft-Morales explores the founding of Ethical Culture. What did Felix Adler regard as the greatest challenges to civilization back in 1876?  Why did he think that a new, nontheist congregational movement emphasizing deed over creed [...]

Why Racial Equity in School Funding Is So Hard to Achieve

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Roseann Liu, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Swarthmore College The challenges facing urban school districts like Philadelphia’s often boil down to the need for more money. Through an inside look at the Pennsylvania state legislature and campaigns for fair funding, Liu will demonstrate how those responsible for funding maintain the privileges of majority-white school districts. [...]

Humanist Thanksgiving

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society Come celebrate gratitude in this Thanksgiving season. Prepare one sentence to share during our program that expresses who or what—in this moment—you are grateful for. We will celebrate with a light meal. (Check the Weekly Bulletin for details.) Please bring food or drink to share and let Hugh or [...]

Addressing Deep Poverty and Homelessness Through Urban Faith Communities

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Rev. John Gardner Co-Rector, Church of the Holy Trinity Rev. Gardner will talk about Holy Trinity's efforts to support people living in deep poverty in Center City, including providing nutritious food and weather appropriate clothing, and creating opportunities for fellowship and community.  He will also tell the story of how the church engaged the support [...]

Fiction: Lies that Tell Truth

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society Near the end of his life, the novelist Abraham Rothberg said that "fiction is a lie that tells the truth." Unlike so many politicians who lie to distort the truth and gain power, fiction only deceives us temporarily in order to share larger truths. It helps us suspend our disbelief so that we can imagine a world [...]

Winter Solstice

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society In these dark days of winter, we gather to celebrate our community.  We’ll all hold candles representing the goodness we hope to nurture in others and in ourselves. Readings and music will gird us for the cold weather we’ll endure as we look forward to spring. Members attending in [...]