This program of annual lectures is made possible by a generous grant from the Kiplinger Foundation in memory of Willard M. Kiplinger, founder of the Kiplinger newsletters and an early member of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church (CLUUC).

The series aims to promote a wider consciousness and a deeper understanding of the concepts and questions of ethics and morality, both within and beyond the church community.

A second objective is to move individuals to apply that understanding in their lives.

The series is coordinated by the Adult Programs Committee of CLUUC, which will further develop ideas initiated by this series through follow-on courses and forums.

Adult Programs at CLUUC provides a wide range of courses and Sunday morning forums that focus on four broad areas:

• Religious, ethical, and philosophical questions and the spiritual search.

• Social, economic and political issues that arouse our ethical and humanitarian concerns.

• Personal development, addressing our needs for mental health, physical fitness, and financial and practical counseling.

• Cultural experiences in the arts, literature and hobbies.

In announcing the endowment for the Series on Ethics in American Society, Austin Kiplinger said the series is a fitting remembrance for his father, Willard, the founder of the Kiplinger newsletters. "As a lifelong journalist, my father was keenly aware of the impact of ethics on daily work and life, and he would be gratified by this program to examine their application to today's global society."

Willard Kiplinger and his wife LaVerne were early members of Cedar Lane. They provided the stone for the church's front exterior wall.

Roger Fritts, the church's Senior Minister, says, "Mr. Kiplinger was a major source of sound advice regarding the perplexing early problems of founding a church. He did this without fanfare or taking over. Because of his innate modesty and desire for anonymity, his total financial and intellectual contribution to the construction of the church building and initial work on the grounds will never be known. But it was substantial. It is fitting and appropriate that through this lecture series his intellectual contributions will be honored and will continue."

Lectures in the Series

• 2001: Amitai Etzioni, University Professor, George Washington University, Washington, DC. “Beyond Relativism: Are There Ethical Imperatives?”

• 2002: Sondra Ely Wheeler, Professor of Christian Ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary, American University, Washington, DC. “Moral Certainty: Clarity, Humility, and Conviction in Public Ethical Discourse”

• 2003: William F. Schulz, Executive Director, Amnesty International USA, “Tainted Legacy: 9-11 and the Ruin of Human Rights”

• 2004: Paul Butler, Professor of Law, George Washington University, Washington, DC. “The Future of Punishment in the Criminal Justice System: Voices from Philosophy, Religion and Hip Hop” (Read Professor Butler's lecture.)

• 2005: Richard S. Gilbert, Minister Emeritus, First Unitarian Church, Rochester, New York. “Was Robin Hood Right?” Ethics and Economic Justice in America Today” (Read the Reverend Gilbert's lecture.)

• 2006: E. J. Dionne, Jr., Op-ed columnist for the Washington Post, author and speaker, "Religion, Politics and the Liberal Tradition." (Read the lecture, Q and A transcript and commentary by Dr. Ronald Wells.)

• 2007: Ruth Faden, "Moral Challenges in Global Health" (Read the lecture.)

• 2008: Timothy Fort, "How Ethical Business Practices Can Contribute to World Peace" (Read the lecture.)

• 2009: Paul Rasor, "When, If Ever, Is the Use of Military Force Morally Justifiable?" (Read the lecture.)

• 2010: Rev. Carlton D. Pearson, "The Gospel of Inclusion: Moral Implications"

Rev. Carlton D. Pearson delivered the tenth annual Kiplinger Lecture at Cedar Lane on Saturday, November 6, at 2 p.m.  His address explored the ethical implications of universal love, and the hope of world peace through mutual respect for different peoples and points of view, as he drew from his journey from being a highly successful Pentecostal minister to become one who now embraces Universalism.