Our Minister’s Bio

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Rev. Sonia Ketchian is an Interfaith/Inter-Spiritual Minister, Love Activist, Spiritual Counselor, and Meditation Facilitator. She received her ordination from One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in 2013. 

Soon thereafter, Rev. Sonia co-founded One Spirit in Action (OSIA), the sacred service and activism arm of One Spirit Learning Alliance. During her years as co-director, OSIA facilitated initiatives in response to homelessness, poverty, racism, religion and violence, xenophobia, domestic violence, LGBTQ issues, climate crisis, gun violence, and mass incarceration. As a native New Yorker, she’s drawn to street ministry and opportunities which serve NYC’s underserved communities.

Rev. Sonia joined us at UUCP in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, bringing along years of experience in activism, extensive knowledge of interfaith traditions, and a profoundly compassionate heart. As a Love Activist, she works to help dissolve the illusion of separation she feels is at the core of humanity’s experience of suffering.   

When asked what’s her religious affiliation? She shares “Love is my Religion and is at the core of it all.”

Rev. Emeritus Paul Dodenhoff, our previous minister for 10 years, was raised in an evangelical Christian family, but became interested in other religious paths early in his teens. His own journey led him to study and work within a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions. While his personal practice is Shin Buddhism, he makes his spiritual home in Unitarian Universalism. He received his B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Drew University, where he also pursued a Masters program in American Religious History specializing in the study of New Religious Movements in America. A graduate of One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, New York City, Paul is especially interested in exploring the intersection of inter-spirituality, social justice, and social media. Read Rev. Dodenhoff’s blog here.