Is e pluribus unum possible? Is that Latin phrase which translates, from many, one, from many diverse people, one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all, possible? The phrase is the official motto of the United States. It is emblazoned on the Great Seal of the country. It is a statement of who we say we aspire to be as a nation, a society, a people. But is it possible? Is American experiment in a multi-racial, pluralistic, egalitarian democratic society possible? Is it possible for this to be a country in which, “there is plenty good room for all God’s children,” as Africans enslaved in this country once sang?

But the question is not one simply for the United States. It is a question for the human race. Dr. King often said it this way: “We shall either learn to live together as [sisters and] brothers or we will perish together as fools.” That is not simply a quaint religious question. It is one of ultimate urgency.

I am a follower of Jesus of Nazareth because I believe his way of love embodied in his Spirit, his life, his teaching shows us the very way and heart of the God who the Bible says “is love.” In so doing Jesus has shown us God’s way of life. He has shown us the way to live in right relationship and reconciled with the God who is our Creator, with each other as the children of God, and with all of God’s creation. He has shown us the way to the kingdom of God, the way to live in the rule and reign of God, the way to live as the family of God, the beloved community. And in that, I believe, is hope for the planet and the human race for that is what God had in mind when God first said, “Let there be light.”

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Masks are required for those attending the event in person, and we strongly encourage attendees to be fully vaccinated. In the interest of keeping people safe from COVID-19, we will not hold a reception or book signing this year.

We hope to have a limited number of pre-signed copies of Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at the Gerald May Seminar. To purchase the book in person, only check or cash will be accepted.

If you cannot attend the live event, you can register to receive a recording of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s presentations to view at a time that works best for you. The presentation will be recorded (without the moments of interactive sharing from participants).