Spring 2009
Children of the Same God: Unitarianism in Kinship with Judaism and Islam
Resistances and Possibilities in the North American Unitarian Engagement with Islam and Judaism
Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie
Date: April 28, 2009
Location: Andover Newton Theological School
While the European Unitarian tradition was formed through creative engagement with actual Islamic and Jewish communities, the North American history in this regard has not been as rich. This lecture explores the racial and class identity of American Unitarianism that led it to not fully embracing kinship with Judaism and Islam in spite of many suggestions of affinity and connection.
The Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie has served as the minister of the North Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Lewis Center, Ohio, since September 1996. During that time, the congregation has more than doubled in size, purchased not only its first building but a religious education center, and added three professional staff positions.
Rev. Ritchie holds a Ph.D in cultural studies from the Ohio State University, and a divinity degree from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Ritchie is published widely on the topic of Unitarian Universalist history and identity, and also religious cultural studies. She has held many district and UUA positions, most recently as chair of the Midwest Regional Subcommittee on Candidacy. Ritchie is proud to have grown up as a third generation Unitarian. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her partner Donna and English Springer Valentino.