Operation: Beyond Congregational Games

Join us on Sunday, September 20, for a special day as Rev. Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper gives their first Platform as our Executive Clergy Leader, followed by a community celebration of their installation!

After Platform, join us in the Becker Room for food, fellowship, and a joyful welcome as we mark this exciting new chapter together.

Times are greatly changing and congregational life is too. What is a "Society" called to do? What is the mission and focus of these social and communal beacons? Together we will unpack some congregational considerations to engage transformation that may enhance the life force of our communities, and help us build toward a better future.

Rev. Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper, PhD (they/them), serves as executive clergy Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis. An American Ethical Union-certified Ethical Culture Leader, arts and cultural community curator, and public theologian, Dr. Hooper has served Ethical Societies, Unitarian Universalist congregations, and other congregational Humanist communities across the country.

Dr. Jé describes their practice of Humanism as “neo-mannerism,” grounded in the conviction that “aesthetic and ethics are one.” Their work embraces joyful resistance, courageous inquiry, and the creative discomfort that can lead to growth. Drawing inspiration from James Baldwin’s call to “take off the mask,” they invite people to live with courage, curiosity, and greater openness to one another’s humanity.

Their work explores race, art, organizational development, polyamory, trans and nonbinary identities, and the possibility of building more authentic, liberating communities.

This Platform will feature music from Fresh Rains. Its mission is to change the world through creative, insightful, and inspiring music.