Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Whether before a meal, in times of communal despair, or at the start of a new session of Congress, the words, “let us pray” often surprise non-theistic humanists. Many find calls for collective religious behavior difficult to navigate. The balance between respectful tolerance of group norms and hypocritical submission [...]

Margaret O’Sullivan Director, Nationalities Service Center The Nationalities Service Center (NSC) provides comprehensive services to immigrants and refugees, whom it considers a critical part of the fabric of life in the United States. The NSC believes that all immigrants and refugees have the right to lives of dignity, safety, stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful connections [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Join Hugh for mindfulness, music, readings, and reflections of gratitude. Depending on weather and other variables we may hold an informal gathering in Rittenhouse Square for fully vaccinated Society members at 12:30 PM, after the Zoom platform. Check the Weekly Announcements or email Hugh for updates. Join here online [...]

Join us for an extended virtual coffee hour and—as we emerge (hopefully) from Covid isolation—share the highlights of the past 20 months with your best visuals. We’ll also play a few fun games. Join at www.tiny.cc/phillyethics

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Every month for the last year, Hugh read a book by a woman novelist. These writers offer compelling insights into their own external and interior lives and distinct perspectives on the wider world around them. Yet their work too often is marginalized in our still male-centric society. Come hear [...]

Ralph Young Historian, Temple University In his research and teaching, Ralph Young has focused on the history of American dissent from the perspective of dissenters and protest movements. He will explain how dissent birthed the United States, was ensconced in the First Amendment to the Constitution, and became a defining characteristic of this nation. Young’s [...]

Come celebrate the Winter Solstice with spoken word and music! This year we’ll feature Solstice celebrations from around the world and through history. Email Hugh if you would like to do a reading during the program. Join here online at the scheduled time.

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Our Memorial Sunday program celebrates the gifts bestowed by those who have died. You are invited to present a brief remembrance about a family member, friend, or famous person whose life taught valuable lessons or enriched you or the world in other ways. Consider sharing an object that represents [...]

Jim Remsen Remsen’s book Embattled Freedom tells the remarkable true story of a group of enslaved men who escaped the South and settled in the author’s hometown near Scranton. During the Civil War, the men joined the Union Army, returning South to fight for their people's freedom. The retired religion editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society How can we overcome the divisiveness tearing at the fabric of our communities, especially surrounding racism and oppression? Martin Luther King, Jr. proposed an answer: “the beloved community,” founded on economic and social justice. Although not unachievable, King’s vision demands daily work and inner discipline to remove the roadblocks [...]