The Reverend Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, will speak in Palo Alto on Wednesday, September 28.
Rev. Morales was elected president of the Association, which unites over 1,000 congregations, in June 2009. The president is head administrator, principal spokesperson and minister-at-large for the UUA.
The first Latino president of the UUA, Rev. Morales was elected on a platform of growth and multiculturalism, and previously led Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, Colorado, to become one of the denomination's largest and fastest-growing congregations.
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He has been outspoken on issues of social and environmental justice before and since becoming president, and was arrested and convicted for protesting Arizona's anti-immigration law, SB1070.
"So much religion is about narrowness and judgment, and the number of Americans engaged in a religious community is dropping, and yet people are hungry for community and connection," says the Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern, senior minister of the Palo Alto congregation. "I love the way Peter clearly proclaims that an open, liberal approach to spirituality is 'the religion of our time.'"
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The Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, founded in 1947, has been active in advocating for affordable housing, same-sex marriage and other civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and environmentalism. Most recently the 270-member congregation installed solar panels on the roof of its sanctuary. Unitarian Universalism welcomes diverse beliefs and affirms a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
Morales will speak briefly and answer questions from the audience before a dessert reception.
