Contemporary Issues Forum

We are using safe practices during this period of COVID, and the Forum will always be online, via Zoom, 12:00pm-1:00pm. Upcoming dates will be publicized in the eWeekly, and the link to attend will be sent in our “worship links” email the Saturday before each Forum. If you are interested in attending a Forum and are not on our mailing list, please contact us.
Next Contemporary Issues Forum, Sun., May 1, 12-1pm, via Zoom
“A Conversation on Trends in Progressive Theology, Poverty Alleviation, and Answering the Call,” from Kirsten Lodal, RRUUC Intern Minister
Please join us for a wide-ranging discussion with Kirsten that draws on her observations as a “second chapter” Master of Divinity candidate at Union Theological Seminary in NYC, as well as on her prior two decades of experience as a secular social entrepreneur focused on domestic poverty alleviation. Kirsten will speak about key trends and debates within progressive theology, including inter-religious engagement, liberal vs. liberation theologies, addressing the climate crisis, and congregational transformation in a digital age. She’ll also share thoughts on promising poverty alleviation strategies including the 2-Gen approach, cash transfers, constituent voice, and social capital formation. And she’ll gladly discuss why she felt compelled to answer the call to ministry at this stage of her life and career. We will welcome your questions!
In addition to serving at RRUUC, pursuing her Master of Divinity at UTS, and being a mom of 3, Kirsten Lodal is the Founder and CEO emerita of LIFT, a national nonprofit that works to interrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty. She is a graduate of Yale University and Columbia Business School and holds fellowships at The Aspen Institute, the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, and Harvard University’s NextGen Human Services Program.
Most recent Contemporary Issues Forum: Sun., April 10, 12-1pm, via Zoom
“The United Nations and Ukraine: Meeting the Challenge,” from Don Bliss, Former US Ambassador to a UN agency, attorney, Cedar Lane member
Ambassador Donald T. Bliss (Ret.) served as ambassador to the UN-affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization from 2006-2009 and president of the United Nations Association for the National Capital Area from 2013-2017. He currently serves on the UNA-NCA board and its Peace and Security Committee. He is past Board Chair of Cedar Lane UU.
Watch this page, read the eWeekly and follow us on social media for updates on future Forums.
Past Forums will be posted on our YouTube channel.