Building on our October and Fall Caucus where we explored our spiritual paths together, grounded in a conversation between four of our ministers of color, we are excited to offer a follow up two-part workshop series on theology with the Rev. Xolani Kacela.
Part 1: Thinking Theologically & Specifically, UU Theology: A Pathway to the Sacred and UU Identity
This 75-minute mini-course introduces core concepts for how to think theologically. We’ll explore the meaning of theology and why it is important for Unitarian Universalism. Included is a quick dive into the connection between theology and UU identity. Participants will be invited to share in small groups.
Part 2: Beyond Theological Basics: Finding a Theological Framework That Works for You or UUs
This 75-minute mini-course tackles theology and connects its work to contemporary forms of ministry. We’ll explore branches of theology, such as pastoral theology and liberation theology, and why it is essential to tie this way of thinking about UU spirituality to being authentically UU. Participants will be invited to share in small groups.
About Rev. Xolani:
Dr. Xolani’s professional ministry began in 1996 when he was ordained as a member of the United Methodist Church (UMC) clergy of Dallas. His UU ministry began in 2006. During his UU ministry, he has served as Minister of Pastoral Care at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, as Assistant Minister of the Eno River UU Fellowship in Durham, North Carolina and most recently as Senior Minister at the UU Church of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Rev. Xolani has extensive experience in the field of chaplaincy. In fact, he learned about Unitarian Universalism during a hospice chaplaincy in Dallas. Xolani was a year away from being conferred to the rank of Elder with Full Connection in the UMC, when he changed course to pursue UU ministry after working with a UU in his chaplaincy care. Before his affiliation with the UMC, Rev. XK was a Baptist and before that belonged to the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). His path to the UU clergy has included visiting dozens of other churches of many denominations along the way.
Rev. Xolani’s religious education includes a Ph.D. and Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. His doctoral emphasis was on Pastoral Care. He also holds a BBA from Morehouse College (1983), and an MBA from Boston University (1993). He has also received UU Professional Interim Training (2018) and holds a Certificate in Leadership-Non-Profit Governance from the University of Illinois (2020)
Dr. XK has extensive experience as a military chaplain and is currently serving in that function as Wing Chaplain for the 150th Special Operations Wing of the New Mexico National Guard in Albuquerque. He plans on continuing this service one weekend each month. It’s hard to believe that XK has any spare time, but he says that in his spare time he does a lot of writing and book editing. His latest book, Clothes Don’t Make the Man, is a novel in the genre that he calls “an interracial, multicultural, romance and revenge thriller. “ It’s currently with the proofreader and in search of a publisher.
Xolani and wife Tamara enjoy the outdoors and enjoy fishing and hunting in that order. Tamara currently works from home and formerly worked in education administration. Tamara’s daughter, Brittany, lives near Portland, OR. Tamara’s hobbies include sewing, watching movies, traveling, being with friends and shopping at Ross.
Learn more about the Rev. Dr. Xolani Kacela on his website.
