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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Jennifer Morton, Professor of Philosophy University of Pennsylvania Rapid changes in work, housing, health care, and community have contributed to widespread feelings of instability and insecurity. For many, the future feels precarious. As Hobbes understood, it is times like these when authoritarianism can seem most appealing. Critiquing both authoritarian and liberal solutions, Morton argues that [...]

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 [...]

Louise Jett, Ethical Culture Leader Wonder is the magical feeling of awe that connects us to the world and to each other. It reignites our curiosity, inspires deeper empathy, and enriches our lives with meaning. Jett invites us to explore the profound role of wonder in everyday life and reminds us to cherish the mysteries [...]

We acknowledge the dark. But in this heart-centered solstice ceremony, Ethical Culturists from around the country will celebrate the light by bringing out the best in others and in ourselves. Hugh Taft-Morales hosts this program of many voices. To attend, please register here.

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society On the first Sunday of each year, we gather to remember those who have died. All those attending are invited to share reflections about members of their family, friends, and famous luminaries who are no longer alive. What lessons or gifts did they leave us that help us lead [...]

Lorrin Thomas, Professor of History Rutgers University, Camden In 2017, Puerto Ricans marked one hundred years as U.S. citizens. It was an anniversary complicated not just by two historic hurricanes but also by the burdens of a century of colonial rule. Thomas, whose research explores rights and equality in the 20th century Americas, will discuss [...]