Instructor: Anne Klaeysen
Date: Saturday, September 12, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Saturday, September 19, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Format: Union will hold online weekend intensives during September via synchronous classes over two consecutive Saturdays, and additional asynchronous learning between the two weekends.

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With the rise in what Pew Forum refers to as the “nones,” or religiously unaffiliated, and those who are “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR), more people are looking for non-traditional ceremonies. Humanism, both religious and secular, meets that need with a creative process that emphasizes relationship over ritual. This course explores alternatives to baby naming, coming-of-age, wedding, and memorial services. Participants will read Humanist ceremonies and related articles, bring and/or create their own ceremonies, and role-play interviews with couples and families. This is a co-learning experience. Notes: Pass/fail. Cannot be taken for reading credit. Auditors are expected to attend all class meetings.

Anne Klaeysen is a Leader Emerita of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. She holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling from Hebrew Union College, as well as Masters degrees in German from the State University of NY at Albany and business administration from New York University (NYU). Dr. Klaeysen is the Ethical Humanist Religious Life Adviser at Columbia University and Humanist Chaplain at NYU. She is also on the faculty of the Center for Education of the American Humanist Association and participates in several interfaith social justice coalitions.