Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Mark Y. A. Davies

Rev. Dr. Mark Y. A. Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics, Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility, and Executive Director of the Leadership. Education, and Development Hub North America for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry) at Oklahoma City University where he has worked in both teaching and administration for 22 years. He is an ordained elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church where he has served as Chair of the Board of Church and Society from 2015 to 2018.

In 2017, the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church selected Dr. Davies to serve as the convener of the writing team tasked with revising “The Natural World” section of the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. This is the first time the Social Principles have undergone a thorough revision since their adoption by the denomination in 1972.

Mark engages in advocacy and activism in the areas of peace, social justice, and ecological sustainability. Locally this is expressed through his work with the Human Community Network, which works to create non-violent systemic change for a just and flourishing human and ecological community through collaboration, education, innovation, and action. See www.humancommunitynetwork.org.

He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two teenage daughters.

The University and Human Flourishing.

The protection of academic freedom and the free pursuit of truth and knowledge are critical to fostering excellence in our colleges and universities, and the critical and creative thinking cultivated in higher education are key contributors to a vibrant participatory democracy. Download the Morning Program here later in the week or open it below without … Continue reading The University and Human Flourishing.

“I Dissent”

April 6 – “I Dissent” – The ability to express ourselves freely in ways that do no harm to others and to peacefully assemble in protest of injustices are critical to the well-being and flourishing of the human community. Download the Morning Program here later in the week. About Mark: Mark Davies is the Wimberly … Continue reading “I Dissent”

Solidarity

Solidarity The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading Download the morning program here later in the week. Reflections on how we can express solidarity with the most vulnerable persons and communities in the most pro-active and effective ways. About Mark: Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the … Continue reading Solidarity

Love at the Center

Love at the Center The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it. Reflection on how love holds together and permeates all of the shared values of Unitarian Universalism and compassion.  We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and … Continue reading Love at the Center

Reflections on our Shared Values: Equity

The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading Download the morning program here or read it below without downloading it. Equity – We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.  We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible … Continue reading Reflections on our Shared Values: Equity

Our Shared Values: Generosity

Our Shared Values, Generosity  the Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading Generosity – We Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality. Download the Morning Program here or read it below without … Continue reading Our Shared Values: Generosity

Reflections on Our Shared Values: Interdependence

“Interdependence:  We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.”  This Sunday is the first in a series of discourses on the recently adopted Shared Values of the UUA. The Rev Mark Y. A. Davies, leading. You may download the morning program here or read it below without having to download … Continue reading Reflections on Our Shared Values: Interdependence

Take Courage

Take Courage The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading Often referred to as one of the four cardinal virtues, courage is the ability to persevere in the face of uncertainty and fear. Sounds like the kind of virtue that might be helpful to cultivate in times like these! Download the Morning Program here or read … Continue reading Take Courage