The Heart of a Servant

March 7, 2015.Reading time 15 minutes.

I’ve just returned from DFW Airport, where I went to see off our Guatemala mission team. They are headed for a week of mission with the good folks of ODIM Guatemala, which Northaven helped found and still supports in numerous ways. But, while I was waiting for our team to make their way through baggage […]

My Interview on Radio Azad

March 6, 2015.Reading time less than 1 minute.

This week, I was proud to be the guest of Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation on their Radio Azad program. I had a great hour-long interview with Halima Leak Francis, on the topics of interfaith cooperation, the current concerns about hate against Muslims in the community, and the 2nd Community series that Northaven hosts. You can […]

Video from Faith Advocacy Day in Austin

March 5, 2015.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Thanks to Texas Freedom Network for video of my remarks at the State Capitol a few weeks back. Take a look here… Here’s the full transcript. If you’re interested in joining this new coalition, sign up at TexasBelieves.org.

My Remarks at Faith Advocacy Day

February 17, 2015.Reading time 7 minutes.

Today, I am in Austin for Faith Advocacy Day. I’m honored to be the emcee of an interfaith event at the State Capitol, supporting equality for the LGBT community. If you’re a person of faith who supports the just and equal treatment of LGBT persons under the law, join us by signing up at “Texas […]

Brian Williams, Chris Kyle, and “The Moral Outrage Machine”©

February 6, 2015.Reading time 10 minutes.

Brian Williams has not survived the kerfuffle over his helicopter ride in Iraq. And, personally, I think that is a shame. As has been said many times the past few days: The only person ever held accountable for lies related to the Iraq War. Yes, what he did was terrible. And I’ll absolutely admit that […]

Look No Further Than This

January 30, 2015.Reading time 2 minutes.

Yesterday was “Muslim Day” at the State Capital. Hundreds of Muslims gathered peacefully and exercised their constitutional right of speech and assembly. But, right in the middle of their peaceful gathering, this happened: A question, a comment, and a request… First, a question: Why was this woman not arrested?!! Second, a comment: If you want […]

Friendships Matter

January 26, 2015.Reading time 6 minutes.

As I left yesterday’s interfaith gathering at Northaven, I was filled with joy, peace, and hope. Everything about it exceeded our expectations. There were double the number of folks that we assumed would come (around 420). There were wonderful surprises that even I didn’t know would happen (“This Land Is Your Land,” played on Middle […]

An Interfaith Statement of Support for Muslims in Dallas

January 26, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

The following was the interfaith statement read at yesterday’s gathering. Dozens of clergy from all traditions stood with us, as this statement was read. An Interfaith Statement We have gathered here today out of our mutual concern over vitriolic language and protests last weekend in our community. We were deeply disturbed by images and video […]

Supporting Muslim Friends, Standing Against Hate

January 23, 2015.Reading time 3 minutes.

Friends, Northaven is honored to be hosting an event, Sunday afternoon, supporting our Muslim brothers and sisters, in the wake of vitriolic protests last weekend in Garland. It will be at 4 pm Sunday in our sanctuary. I know this is last minute. But our Muslims friends were eager for a quick response, so we […]

MLK and Karen Armstrong

January 19, 2015.Reading time 2 minutes.

In the midst of a long ride on this absolutely gorgeous MLK day. Temperatures almost near 70°. Lots of people out here enjoying the day. Almost no wind and I’m just flying around. My companion on my past few rides has been Karen Armstrong’s new book “Fields of Blood.” I’m “reading” a great audiobook version, […]