At a congregational meeting on May 11, 2025, after a week during which members of UUCDC had multiple opportunities to hear them speak and get to know them, Rev. Dr. Laura Solomon was called to be our settled minister. The vote was unanimous, as 159 people said a resounding “Yes!” There was also a non-binding vote by the children and youth, who gave a thumbs up by 30-1. (The one thumbs down was by someone who did not like to be told to breathe deeply.)
Rev. Laura holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Meadville Lombard Theological School, a Unitarian Universalist Seminary in Chicago. Rev. Laura is also a Doctor of Psychology.
They have always felt called to deeply relational work centered on love and justice. Working as a clinical psychologist for children and adolescents with disabilities for several years provided them with one way of supporting and engaging with people on the margins of society, and providing a safe place for exploration of self and the world. However, as they continued working in clinical practice, they began to feel that the work they were called to do was too big to fit within the container of psychology. With the ever-present push to see more clients and bill more hours, the relational part felt increasingly lost. As their understanding of systemic injustice grew, the work of clinical psychology left them feeling increasingly disconnected; they longed to be connected with people where they were, as they were, understanding the context of their lives. Thus, they answered the call to ministry.
Rev. Laura will strive to make this a ministry grounded in deep relationships in which we work together for greater love and justice in our community and the world. Particularly in times like these, congregations provide hope, motivation, sustenance, camaraderie, and care for those engaging deeply in the work for justice in the world. They are committed to exploring and engaging this growth with us. UUCDC officially became their new spiritual home on August 1, and their first service will be at Ingathering on September 8.
