Gary Scott James

Minister

The Reverend Gary James is a graduate of our Unitarian Universalist seminary, Thomas Starr King School for the Ministry and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkley, California. He has received a Masters Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in community organizing and development and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Gary has served as minister to North Shore Unitarian Church for eighteen years. He has been a leader in the Unitarian Universalist Association in promoting religious and political pluralism and for many years has served as President of the continental organization, Unitarian Universalists for Freedom of Conscience.

He has served our congregation as a gifted preacher, sharing his enthusiasm for bringing together spiritual passion and critical thinking, providing insight into the issues of the day and wisdom for navigating the personal trials of life.

As our religious leader he has created a home for a diverse community of religious seekers, especially interfaith families seeking a religious community that affirms the gifts of not only Christianity and Judaism, but equally, scientific and religious Humanism in dialogue with the wisdom of all the great religious traditions – Buddhism, Taoism, Islam.

Recognizing that nothing can penetrate the loneliness of the human heart except the highest intensity of the sort of love the religious teachers have preached and that whatever does not spring from this motive is harmful or useless, Gary's gospel is one of love overcoming all differences, putting to flight all fears, reconciling all who are separated.

He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 847.235.1953. 

The heart of anyone who loves – Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist – atheist or theist - is a paradise on earth. Let us open our hearts to love and not be afraid!

Building the Free Church – To Liberate the Spirit – To Create the Beloved Community