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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

My Eulogy for Rev. William K. McElvaney

September 8, 2014.Reading time 22 minutes.

As you might imagine, I’ve prayed a long time about what to say today. What can I say to honor a man who was, no joke, my favorite professor in seminary, and later the emeritus pastor of this great church I’ve had the ridiculous good fortune of serving for years? What could sum up all […]

A Tribute to Bill Warrick

September 4, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Video Remembrances of Bill McElvaney

August 24, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As many of you will know, Dr. Bill McElvaney died earlier today. I will most definitely have much more to say about Bill in the coming days and weeks. But, for now, I am remembering a great night at the Perkins Distinguished Alumnus Awards Event in 2013. Bill got the award that night, and I […]

Step Out

March 7, 2014.Reading time 2 minutes.

We leave for Guatemala in the morning. This song has been my ear worm for most of this year, from the great film “Walter Mitty.” I loved it. And I don’t care what you say. The story of a guy overcoming his fears and stepping out into the big world. I love, love, love the […]

Time for a Time Change

March 6, 2014.Reading time 2 minutes.

Been catching up on some journaling this am. It strikes me that this month has been like drinking out of a fire hose. Events coming at me, fast and furious… — The Judge starting her law school teaching — Mary Clair’s resignation — George and Jack’s wedding — Maria getting her license — Our niece […]