Ordination of Nathan C. Walker

The members of the Fourth Universalist Society and
the Unitarian Church of Staten Island
joyfully invite you to celebrate the

Ordination of Nathan C. Walker
into the Unitarian Universalist Ministry on
Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 5:00 pm
at the Fourth Universalist Society
160 Central Park West at 76th Street, New York, New York 10023.

A vegan reception, sponsored by Mary and Steve Walker, will follow the service. School-aged children are welcome to participate in this intergenerational service. Nursery care available upon request. Religious professionals and seminarians are invited to robe at 4:00 pm and participate in Nate's renewal of his Mindfulness Vows at a private ceremony starting at 4:30 pm.

Kindly RSVP by December 31, 2006 by clicking here!

CHAPLAINS UNITED FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Press Release: 8/19/06

HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS UNITED FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Chaplains from the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. advocate for equality in marriage for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered.
The Chaplains come from a wide range of religious traditions: Reform Judaism; the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); the United Methodist Church; the United Church of Christ, and Unitarian Universalism.

In a letter to 38 religious and poltical leaders they write, “As people of faith who view religion as a vital part of our lives and who pursue religious vocations, we reject the notion that all people of faith condemn same sex marriage. We believe that supporting the rights of all people to marry is deeply rooted in the values of our faith traditions.”

For more information please contact: Nate Walker, nw163@columbia.edu, (917) 922-2287.

Tour Bus Heckling

Last month, i was on a date walking down 14th street in Manhattan when a tour bus passed. We heard screaming and saw that the tourists were pointing in our direction. We looked behind us to see what was wrong then realized they were looking at us holding hands.

As they screamed and pointed my date turned to me and gently said, “Nate, kiss me.” I gently reciprocated his offer. The heckling erupted and so did the camera flashes. The bus drove away.

I left that experience feeling honored to be with a man who would not coward to disapproval; i also left feeling angry and depressed that such innocent expression of affection can provoke overt heckling.

Reflections on Love

‘Nate, how do you contemplate love,’ a man recently asked in response to my Match.com profile? I replied simply, “often.”

This delicious question was coupled with a second: why do you think love is possible? Here’s my reply to both:

“Love is an ever-present mystery in my life, one that seems to have had my attention for a long time. I’m aware that it is difficult to express my understanding of love because there are so many manifestations: various layers and contexts and possibilities. Let me give one simple example; one that seeks to answer the second question. Yes, i do believe that love is possible. Why? Because i imagine it to be true.

“I have come to realize that the imagination is a necessary component of love. I mean simply, i can use my imagination to place myself in your shoes and to see the world through your eyes. In that moment i come to understand your story, your joys, and your suffering. I come to have empathy for you. Said another way, i believe my imagination is a gateway into loving you – on the most profound level: to hold you in a circle of compassion.

“The act of imagining is why i think love is possible: i have the power of imagination; therefore, i have the ability and the gift of journeying into you. This becomes a pilgrimage into knowing you, which is not simply motivated by my unquenchable curiosity but also driven by a desire to be known by you. This type of loving is not simply a romantic notion, but an everyday practice for reconditioning the human condition: to use our imagination as a gateway into the boundless potential of love.

“To be honest, these are simply a few ways to answer your delicious questions. Ask another day and i'll muse a different reply.”

And now to all bloggers: How do you contemplate love? Do you think love is possible?

Image from www.InnovationTools.com

U.S. Senate Staff Briefing

I am delighted to report that we have been invited by the United States Senate to give a staff briefing about the National Tuition Endowment Act on Tuesday, April 18th at 3:30 pm in room 188 of the Russell building.

As the Executive Director of the student movement to create a National Tuition Endowment, i've helped lead students from around the country to co-author a congressional bill that will return to students over $30 billion the government earnings on student financial aid.

The NTE Act has been endorsed by dozens of colleges and universities in addition to the American Student Association of Community Colleges, representing over 900 two-year schools; the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students, the umbrella organization for over 2 million graduate students; and the Minnesota State College Student Association, representing over 46 two year schools in MN.

To learn more about how to participate in this student movement please visit www.TuitionEndowment.org.

Collective Conscience

I’m beginning to see the boundaries of my own conscience: justifications for what i claim to be right and wrong; the habits of mind that taught me to put myself in dominance.

I’m beginning to see the boundaries of our collective conscience: the borders of our professed values, ethics, and actions; the habits of the heart that teach us to take rather than preserve life.

I feel caged by these constructs and seek to cultivate an anti-oppression ministry that may emancipate us from these boundaries. In doing so, i commit myself to recondition the human condition with the intent that one day there will be no boundaries to my own and our collective conscience.

Image by EagleZen

Passing of a Rose

On Valentine's Day 2005, i was on the New York City subway with my date, where i gave him a rose.

A man who was watching this exchange approached and spit on us.

When did the passing of a rose provoke someone to spit?

Double-Breasted Pledge

For the last few months i’ve had a reoccurring dream: i’m in the rotunda of the nation’s capital. Sun light pours onto the marble floor; people in colorful clothing admire the spectacle. The President of the United States walks by – but it’s not President Bush, it’s an older white man in a suit who i recognize as the commander in chief.

While looking directly at him, i place my right hand on my heart as if to recite the pledge of allegiance. As i feel my heart beating, i recall real life experiences: i was denied the right to adopt because i don’t meet the legal definition of family; i went to the Red Cross and discovered it’s illegal for gay men to donate blood; i gave my date a Valentine’s rose while on the New York City subway when a man approached and spit on us.

I was playing out the everyday discriminations of my past, of present reality. In my dream, i placed my left hand on my right breast. My wrists crossed my sternum as tears rolled down my face. Beginning as a faint whisper, i chanted “… with liberty and justice for all.” Over and over again, i proclaimed this double breasted pledge: “… with liberty and justice for all… with liberty and justice for all...”

I awoke to my own shouting. After composing the following poem, i never had the same dream, yet it continues to haunt me.

Double-Breasted Pledge
by Nathan C. Walker

My right hand holds my heart;
the other reaches for my right breast;
my pulsing wrists cross my worthy soul
to reclaim the innate dignity
to marry, to parent,
to give blood,
pass a rose,
serve my country –
to whom i make this vow:
i pledge allegiance to the Flag of
the United States of America,
to the Republic, for which it stands,
one nation, under God, indivisible
with equality, and liberty
and justice
for all.

Radio Pilgrimage with Thich Nhat Hahn

"This week on public radio's conversation about religion, meaning, ethics, and ideas: Brother Thây: A Radio Pilgrimage with Thich Nhat Hanh Vietnamese Zen master and poet, Thich Nhat Hanh, offers stark, gentle wisdom for living in a world of anger and violence. We speak with him and others at an unusual retreat attended by law enforcement officials."

Listen to Dharma Talk This recording was given by Thich Nhat Hanh during a morning session in August 2003 held at The Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin. The title of the talk is "Mindfulness of Anger: Embracing the Child Within."

Poem by Nhat Hanh Read the poem "For Warmth" that was first recited by Nhat Hanh in Vietnamese and then by Krista in English.

snow-day e-service

Yesterday it snowed 27 inches at our church in White Plains, New York. Naturally, the weather kept people from attending the service. Even though i was the only one present i went ahead with it anyway. I digitally recorded my thoughts and posted the clips on the following site. Folks from the church have been listening to it at their leisure.

Because i deliberately used the form of a Dharma Talk rather than a traditional sermon, the service was unrehearsed and conversational. It lacked formality and the language was pedestrian and needed a lot of grammatical work (kinda like my emails and blog postings!). If i were to do it again i would change a billion things about it and yet it's what it is.

The content of the talk certainly lent itself to this free-flowing form, whether i was alone or with a thousand people. I guess it is possible to do "corporate worship" alone... does that change our understanding of "wherever two or more are gathered... " Boy, i bet our ancestors are rolling in their graves! Or maybe they're cheering us on so that we may use technological advances to advance human relations.

What do you think about this model of snow-day e-worship?

Peace to all of you,
Nate

...every being

The first principle affirmed by Unitarian Universalists reads... we affirm and promote "the inherent worth and dignity of every person." What would it be like if we changed the wording to "the inherent worth and dignity of every being"?

Could this change serve as the conscious-raising language necessary for us to collectively consider honoring life in all it's forms? Could it serve as the justice-seeking language necessary to preserve the lives of not only humans but all living beings? Could it serve as bridging language to connect the "inherent worth and dignity" with the "interdependent web of existence"?

Would the UFETA board consider discussing this proposal? Would congregations be interested in adopting this change in their affirmation of the principles as stated in their orders of service? Is it something we can develop more fully and possibly propose at a future General Assembly?

Can one word can change the world?

Peace,
Nate

At-one-ment

Four days before World AIDS Day, i preached a sermon entitled "At-one-ment" at Community Unitarian Church in White Plains, NY. I unpacked an atonement theology in the context of two cases: AIDS and Agent Orange.

Read sermon

I concluded with a strong statement that redemption does not come from God willing human suffering; rather, redemption comes when we are "at-one" with all who suffer. I look forward to your feedback.

My Favorite Kissing Pictures!

I remember the first time i saw Brera’s painting when traveling in Europe. It left me speechless. I couldn’t help but stare into it for what seemed like hours. It reminded me that the elegance of the kiss is still one of the most romantic exchanges of intimacy. And here’s another delicious example! Man, she’s got it bad… and as Nina says, that ain’t good. ;-)

Three Learning Disabilities

On October 6, 2005, two weeks before i took my doctoral exam for the second time, i was diagnosed with three learning disabilities. How was it possible to get through two master’s degrees and doctoral courses at Columbia with these obstacles? It was not easy. To be honest, school has always been a struggle for me. For as long as i can remember i found myself questioning my own intelligence because i didn’t learn like everyone else.

Attending “Teachers College" at Columbia University was the most devastating experience for me as a learner, especially when multiple professors would dismiss my requests to use a computer. Instead i was forced to take those damn blue-book exams. They said accommodations would not be made unless i had approval from the office of disabilities. In order to be considered "disabled", i had to take a neuropsychological examination, which in Manhattan costs up to $2,500. I couldn’t believe they would make such a statement, knowing that i was living below the poverty level.

I was very upset with their response and was even more upset when i performed poorly on their exams. When push came to shove, i had to come up with this money in order to have accommodations when i retook my certification exam for the doctoral program. You see, in our program you only have two chances to pass or else you are kicked out of the doctoral program. And to make it worse, guess what, their assessment measure is a timed three-hour written test.

Going into neuropsychological examination i knew they would find something – but three, three learning disabilities? It was difficult to hear i'm disabled. What a painful stigma.

The comments section of this blog is dedicated to first explain the diagnosis and then to reflect upon those results. Simply click here and these pages will explain the three disabilities. I'd love to know what you think.

With curiosity and creativity... your loyal learner, Nate

(Photo by Ralph Morse)

i passed my doctoral exam!

i passed!!! it's hard to imagine... after my second and final try, in the heat of recently discovering that i have three learning disabilities... i just found out that i passed Columbia's doctoral exam! i'm so exhausted i haven't fully processed the meaning behind it all. i know it's big - i know that. and i'm so happy this academic hazing is over for the time being.

now, i gear up to take part II of the exam, which is a literature review. i've done most of the work so it will simply be a discernment process with my advisor about the dissertation. i'm really looking forward to this next step. in the mean time, i'm going to bed. nite, nite! xoxo ~ nate

The Parable of the Almond Tree

“… one day I had gone to a little village. An old grandfather of ninety was busy planting an almond tree. ‘What, granddad!’ I exclaimed. ‘Planting an almond tree?’ And he, bent as he was, turned round and said: ‘My son, I carry on as if I should never die.’ I replied: ‘And I carry on as if I was going to die any minute.’ Which of us was right…?”

From Zorba The Greek
By Nikos Kazantzakis

Peter Cooper

Check out my chapter on Peter Cooper in the Dictionary of Unitarian Universalist Biography.

I was assigned to write a chapter of Leland Stanford, but i couldn't find any evidence to suggest that Stanford was a Unitarian or a Universalist. Although he sure hung around with those religious liberals.

I'm currently doing research on Ezra Cornell. More to come!

Of Loss and Grace

Of Loss and Grace
A MUST SEE: Dec 1-8, 2005

Wow, what a powerful and inspired production! On Friday, i saw Of Loss and Grace at the Theater Five at 311 West 43rd Street in Times Square, NYC – 5th floor(between 8th and 9th ave). It's incredible. Go see it! Really.

A story of love, loss, and the survival of self "of loss and grace" takes you through the lives of Grace, Joel, and Kai. Grace, who has AIDS, develops a relationship with Joel, a co-worker. Joel's steadfastness complements Grace's feistiness, and despite her illness the two marry and have a child, Kai. Soon after Kai is born, Grace loses Joel, and is ready to give up on life. Only the precocious Kai is able keep her mother going through her increasing bouts of depression and illness, with some surprising help. "Of loss and grace" is a heart wrenching story of love, loss, surprising relationships, role reversal, and faith.

December 1st-18thThursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays at 8pmSunday, December 4th & 11th at 3pm and 7pmSunday, December 18th at 3pm$15Credit card reservations: http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/116286 or 212.352.3101 Cash reservations and group rates: 917.747.7210 Cash only at the door – limited seating.

Big Questions & Big Kids

From 2000-2002 i served as the Interim Director of Religious Education at the Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York (4thU). It was here i was was able to integrate my skills as a professional performing artist, a certified public-school educator (PreK-12), and religious educator. These experiences have brought me a great amount of joy!

One of my most colorful memories was working with the children of 4thU to create their very own service for the entire congregation. I also have very fond memories of our annual Principle Parade, the Seasons of Light pageants, and learning sign language to various songs.

Through these moments i have learned that children and families are in constant transition and continue to make meaningful transformations in their lives. This is why it is so important to remain in communication through those times.

There may be a time when you and your family may need pastoral assistance to either to plan a baby dedication or to participate in interfaith counseling with your children. You and your spouse may need help with speaking with your children about various religious topics such as prayer, death, or God. There also may come a time when you and your children may need pastoral care if experiencing the loss of a loved one.

If this is the case, i would be delighted to meet with your family. Feel free to call anytime if you have any questions: (917) 922-2287.

Peace,

Nate

New York City Weddings

Weddings: Like snowflakes, no two love stories are alike. That is why i believe that your wedding should represent the unique love that you and your partner share. I hope to spend time with you to craft a ceremony that specifically represents your love story, your beliefs, and your traditions. As a Unitarian Universalist, who pulls from many traditions, i hope to help you choose text, readings, and music that authentically symbolize your union.

Promise Journal: For each wedding that i officiate, i ask that the couple purchase a journal where i can hand write the vows. I would like to then use the journal during the ceremony and return it to the couple after the ceremony. My hope is that it may become a useful memento for you to use in the future as you archive your relationship together: photographs of your future children, love-poems, song lyrics, and silly drawings.

Counseling: Celebrating marriage is a major life transition. The service and the symbolism of the ceremony should be crafted with great care. As a result, i recommend that couples consider meeting with me three times before the ceremony.

1. Love Stories: During this first meeting, i want to hear your story. I would love to hear how you met and fell in love and why you want to get married. This is an excellent way for me to get to know you and learn more about your individual and shared values and beliefs. This will set the tone for our next encounter.

2. Crafting Vows: This session will give us the opportunity to customize your vows. We'll be able to integrate special readings, symbols that authentically represent the love you share for one another.

3. Reviewing Vows and Choreographing the Ceremony: Next we'll finalize the vows and discuss the staging of the ceremony.

4. Rehearsal Dinner: During the dinner i will invite your family and friends to celebrate your union by sharing stories of you. It will be a time of celebration and remembrance. If you would like, i would be happy to lead everyone in a blessing or grace that is appropriate to your faith tradition.

5. Ceremony: Before the ceremony, i would like to check-in with each of you before the ceremony. This is simply one last brief pastoral call to express my celebration of your union.

Remembering Rwanda

Rwanda Genocide

In remembrance of the 10th Anniversary of the Rwanda genocide, i worked with Dr. Helen Fine, the director of the Institute for the Study of Genocide, and the Rev. Orlanda Brugnola, the President.

"Remembering Rwanda" was held in May of 2004 at Union Theological Seminary. Please read my sermon on "Imagination as a Spiritual Discipline" to learn more about the tragedies in Rwanda.

A must read:
Leave None to Tell the Story: Genocide in Rwanda

Am i Worthy to Marry?

Same Sex Marriage?

In October of 2003, i was invited by the Brearley School in New York City to debate the religious pros of same-sex marriage. I framed the debate through the following presentation: “Am i Worthy of Love?”.

The photograph on the right was taken for the Unitarian Universalist Association by Nancy Pierce.

Religious Education During Times of War

In response to the events of 9/11 and the War in Iraq, i worked closely with the Society for Jewish Educators at Teachers College Columbia University in composing a grant to host a university-wide event entitled: "Religious Education During Times of War". This interfaith forum was funded by the President of Teachers College and the President and Provost of Columbia University.
The forum was moderated by Dr. Thomas Sobol, a professor at Columbia Teachers’ College and a former NY State Commissioner of Education. The panelists were Shaykh Abd’Allah Latif Ali, representing the Imams’ Council of NY; Dr. Mary C. Boys, a Catholic professor from Union Theological Seminary; Rabbi Noam Marans, representing the American Jewish Committee; and the Rev. Orlanda Brugnola, U.U. Chaplain at Columbia University. Approximately 200 participants attended the event held at the prestigious Low Library at Columbia University.

Poverty Truth Commission

In the spring of 2005, i served as a grant writer to help the Union Theological Seminary Poverty Initiative and the Teachers College Student Senate host a Poverty Truth Commission. This student led event seeks to challenge the Columbia University community, religious institutions, and society at large to fully participate in the growing economic justice movement. We believe that our religious traditions call for the elimination of poverty – not simply reducing, alleviating, or managing it. We are committed to working with those immediately affected by economic injustice. For more information or to find out how you can support this work, contact poverty@uts.columbia.edu.

National Tuition Endowment

In response to the nation's tuition crisis - dramatic rise in loans and decreasing federal and state grants - i have been serving as the executive director to the student movement, led by the student leaders at Columbia University. Check it out, we just finished writing the legislative language for this Congressional bill: National Tuition Endowment Act.

Mindful Consumption

Five Mindfulness Trainings
Adapted from the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn

Fifth Training: Mindful Consumption

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, i am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I will ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.

Deep Listening & Loving Speech

Five Mindfulness Trainings
Adapted from the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn

Fourth Training: Deep Listening & Loving Speech

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, i am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, i am determined to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I will not spread news that i do not know to be certain and will not criticize or condemn things of which i am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.

Sexual Integrity

Five Mindfulness Trainings
Adapted from the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn

Third Training: Sexual Integrity

Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, i am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, i am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.

Generosity

Five Mindfulness Trainings
Adapted from the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn

Second Training: Generosity

Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, i am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plans, and minerals. I will practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to posses anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but i will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.

Protecting Life

Five Mindfulness Trainings
Adapted from the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn

First Training: Protecting Life

Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, i am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.

Nate in Fallon, Nevada

That's right folks, it's me: little bad-ass Natie holding down the fort. Not bad for a 3rd grader. We lived on an alfalfa farm in Fallon, Nevada.

On the Pulse of Morning

Excerpt from Maya Angelou's

"On the Pulse of Morning"

Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need for this bright morning dawning for you. History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, and if faced with courage, need not be lived again. Lift up your eyes upon the day breaking for you. Give birth again to the dream. Women, children, men, take it into the palms of your hands. Mold it into the shape of your most

Private need. Sculpt it into the image of your most public self.

Lower case "i"

Equalized Personal Pronoun: In all of my professional writing i use
a lower case personal pronoun because English is the only language
in the world that capitalizes the self. As a result, i invented the
equalized personal pronoun as a symbolic tool to reposition myself
in my sentences and, in turn, to engage in the daily practice of
reflecting upon customs that teach me to put myself in dominance.