Of course, everyone knows, that belief-o-matic (registered trademark) is the best way to figure out what your religion is. But for those for whom following all the questions is too much trouble, an old friend has just sent a simple flowchart. I hope this makes everything clear… Read more
For those of us concerned with marriage equality, particularly in the state of Rhode Island, yesterday was a momentous occasion. In my capacity as minister of the First Unitarian Church of Providence, and a member of the steering committee of the Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality, Rhode Island, I had the privilege of attending a press conference called by Marriage Equality Rhode Island. Together with representatives of the media we met at the Rhode Island State House where a spokesperson... Read more
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified on this day in 1920. All we need is an Equal Rights Amendment to seal the deal… Read more
Fantasmagorie generally considered the first animated film. It was shown in Paris on this day in 1908. And now for your entertainment and edification, here it is… (Ain’t Youtube a wonder?) Read more
This past Friday Jan & I drove off for upstate New York leaving auntie in charge of the cats and fish. We meandered through Rhode Island, across Connecticut cutting up to Interstate 84, drove into New York, crossed the Hudson River, turned down and eventually ended up in a small town Bed and Breakfast in Windsor, not terribly far from the New Jersey border. Those who know me know I’m not a fan of B&B;’s. Those who don’t know me... Read more
One of those remarkable people… Read more
H. G. Wells died today in 1946. He spoke convincingly of the dangerous times we face, particular of nuclear holocaust. Here’s a badly written summary of his thinking, going for the absurd on occasion and with an over the top emphasis on time travel. But it was the best I could find, and it does hit the real points if often hidden among the nonsense, which I rather like in how it mirrors the way we usually live our lives…... Read more
A WEDDING SERVICE In the Western Tradition[i] Compiled from diverse sources, Edited and annotated by The Reverend James Ishmael Ford Minister First Unitarian Church Providence, Rhode Island Processional[ii][iii] Address to the Congregation Minister We are here gathered to witness the joining of and in marriage; which is an honorable estate, instituted in the necessities of our being, and dedicated to the happiness of people and the welfare and continuance of humanity; an estate not by any to be entered into... Read more
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