Unitarian Universalist Approaches to the Environment

Exploring Religion & Environment Series

Join us for a series of lunchtime conversations this Fall and Winter focused on exploring religion and the environment. We will be joined by experts, theologians, activists, and thinkers for deep dives into different religious traditions. By blending informative education with ground-breaking discourse, we hope that wherever you are on your own journey exploring faith and our changing world, you will find value in this foray.

Session 5: Unitarian Universalist Approaches to the Environment

In this month’s conversation, we are exploring Unitarian Universalist tradition. Rev. Dr Kate Walker of First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh will explore how engaging with nature as a spiritual companion is THE religious task of our time. Are we truly able and willing to shift from solitary survival to well-being of the whole? Brian Dugas of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wyoming Valley will share how Unitarian Universalism challenges us to care for the world in which we live through the 7th Principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part”. He will share about how concern for the environment inspired the community to “Go Green” with numerous projects. Bring your lunch and your questions – we can’t wait to see you there!will share how Unitarian Universalism challenges us to care for the world in which we live through the 7th Principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part”. He will share about how concern for the environment inspired the community to “Go Green” with numerous projects. Bring your lunch and your questions – we can’t wait to see you there!

Series co-sponsors:

Better Path Coalition, Delaware Interfaith Power & Light, Green Muslims

Event co-sponsors:

First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wyoming Valley

Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker (she/her/hers) started serving the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in August of 2021. Previously she served the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and the Meadville Unitarian Universalist Church, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She was raised Unitarian Universalist and is a double UU preacher’s kid. She has several academic degrees you can ask her about, but are boring to list. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband Mark and two deeply loved Springer Spaniels. She is an outdoor enthusiast, frequently found hiking, skiing, sailing, biking, and staring at the sky while thinking about nothing at all.

Brian Dugas was born in the state of Maine and attended the University of Southern Maine. After working in law enforcement and the medical fields, he joined the US Army as an officerand served in various leadership positions and specialized law enforcement roles around theworld. Upon his departure from active duty, Brian worked in the field of education in NEPA as ateacher and principal. In 2018 Brian served two years in Tanzania, East Africa with the PeaceCorps and then a year in Delaware with the Americorps. Brian is currently the President of theBoard of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wyoming Valley, and serves onvarious boards and committees throughout NEPA. He is married and has three children.