Testimonials

“Michael swims at the deep end of the pool. They are relentlessly curious about people and hold a desire for folks to live with intention and attention. It is apparent Michael has benefitted from practices which allow them to connect to and listen for that still small voice. Simply put, Michael holds hope and ministers from that hope for others to do the same. It is not because that is the ‘right’ way or the ‘spiritual’ way, but, I believe, out of rich sensibility that the spark of the divine that is our birthright is too easily covered over by culture creep and this colonized sensibility that we have to keep our heads down to survive. Michael wants us to thrive by letting our light shine and connecting with others.”

– Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister, Jefferson Unitarian Church

“An excellent speaker, caring soul, witty communicator, and generous colleague, I’m confident that Michael will be an amazing minister and a great blessing to both Unitarian Universalism and the broader Church and community… I am a bit ‘righteously jealous’ that they are UU and not Baptist like me… I believe fully in their gift.”

– Rev. Dr. Timothy Adkins-Jones, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, Boston University School of Theology

“Michael has the perfect combination of coming across as laid back yet attentive, while also being someone who can also speak hard truths when needed. I was impressed by their ability to hold difficult conversations and by the truly gifted ministerial presence they brought to every interaction.”

– Sarah Billerbeck, Former Director of Faith Exploration, Jefferson Unitarian Church

“Michael’s strength as a minister lies in their self-awareness and in an openness and authenticity that make Michael approachable not only among fellow students/colleagues as a confidante and listening ear, but among colleagues/mentors for constructive feedback.”

– Rev. Dr. Sarah Lenzi, Minister, Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, NJ; Affiliate Faculty & UU Denominational Advisor, Union Theological Seminary

“Michael’s gifts – a loving heart, a sense of humor, an extensive knowledge and love for UU and liberation theologies, a dedication to anti-oppression work, and most of all, their joyful and sincere ability to connect with other humans – make them more than qualified for ordained UU ministry.”

– Rev. Jen Simon, Assistant Minister, Jefferson Unitarian Church

“Michael is a true builder of community – their inclusive and sensitive approach to life creates the conditions for other people to thrive, and for Michael to thrive with them. They are a good-humored team player who is self-critical and open to constant evolution. Michael moves through the world in a welcoming way, bringing people together, listening well, caring, and evolving, all the while holding themself to a standard of excellence. It is so easy for me to imagine Michael accompanying their congregants through good and bad times as a minister.”

– Dr. Stephanie Yuhl, Professor of History and W. Arthur Garrity, Sr. Professor in Human Nature, Ethics and Society, College of the Holy Cross

“I was impressed with the careful way Michael thought through how their work might be utilized in pastoral contexts. They show every sign of being an outstanding UU minister.”

– Dr. David M. Carr, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Union Theological Seminary

“Michael is mature beyond their years; the committee often reflected on how impressed they were with Michael’s level of contribution given they are still so early in their ministerial career… Their practice shows gravitas plus a sweet lightness that seems to make everything go so much better.”

– Internship Committee, Jefferson Unitarian Church