The Timeless Lessons of Toni Morrison
Christian Hayden In a strange turn of events, Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize winning Beloved became fodder for a political ad in the gubernatorial race of Virginia in 2021. Though it is somewhat unsurprising that targeting literature crafted by a Black woman could score easy political points, nevertheless it is unsettling that one of the greatest [...]
John Lovejoy Elliott and a Ministry to Man (And Woman)
Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society This week we return to the archives with a platform, on Zoom, first presented on September 4, 2016. Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture, chose as his first lieutenant John Lovejoy Elliott: a man best known for building caring relationships and friendships that served the marginalized of New [...]
Understanding Gun Culture
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society As a society with more weapons than people, the United States clearly has a “gun culture.” Does that explain the plague of mass shootings, crime-related killings, accidents, and suicides by bullet? Causes proffered for this epidemic include mental illness, toxic masculinity, economic desperation, and profiteering by weapon manufacturers, as [...]
Reflections on My Summer in Italy (In Person)
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Hugh will share sights seen and insights gleaned during his summer sojourn in Italy. To attend in person, please RSVP to LeaderHugh@phillyethics.org so he knows how much wine to buy. Those fully-vaccinated and boosted are welcome to join in-person at 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square.
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesLeader Hugh hosts the first session of this program’s season, focusing on the Renaissance roots of humanism. For Society members only. In-person at 1906 Rittenhouse Square and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3917679274
Short Documentary: Hello Sunshine
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHello Sunshine shines a light on people living in the Kensington section of Philly and efforts to support them. After the screening, filmmaker Joe Quint and Roz Pichardo—the featured activist—will hold a discussion. Free at the Ethical Society building. This event is part of the International Day of Peace (celebrated from September 15-21). This year’s theme—chosen [...]
Footballs Not Firearms
Join PES Leader Hugh Taft-Morales for this march and rally beginning and ending at Fairhill Square (4th and Lehigh). There will be words from youth, police officers, and public officials. Enjoy music, free food, and a free football giveaway. Come support this effort to strengthen community relationships and build peace! This event is part of [...]
Documentary: Mission Joy
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis film is a deeply moving testament to the friendship between the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It explores their dialogue about how to live with joy in troubled times. PES Leader Hugh Taft-Morales will facilitate a conversation after the film. Free at the Ethical Society building. This event is part of [...]
Religious Freedom and the Separation of Church and State
Sarah Barringer Gordon University of Pennsylvania Are we heading toward a theocracy and Christian nationalist state? Sarah Barringer Gordon, the Arlin M. Adams professor of constitutional law and a professor of history, is renowned for her work on the ways that religious liberty developed over the course of American history. A frequent media commentator, she [...]
Benefit Jazz Concert: The Larry McKenna Quartet
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis performance will raise money for programs serving refugees in Philadelphia. Come enjoy terrific jazz and help those building new lives here. Pay what you will at the Ethical Society Building. This event is part of the International Day of Peace (celebrated from September 15-21). This year’s theme—chosen by the United Nations—is “End Racism. Build [...]