Ex-Communication from Unitarian Universalism: the World’s Most Liberal Religion with Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof

Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof has been the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, WA, since 2011. He’s appreciated for his mind-altering sermons, compassionate soul, and social activism. Unitarianism and Unitarian Universalism have traditionally been known as liberal religions, defined by their commitment to individual dignity and freedom of expression. They promote diversity and inclusivity and encourage their members to engage in the “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” However, Todd has had a different experience. He believes the organization has undergone a significant policy change, with the value of autonomy and freedom of expression becoming less critical. As a minister, he was not allowed to discuss his concerns openly and was attacked when he did speak out. As a result, he was “disfellowshipped.” 

Rev. Eklof started in the ministry as an ordained Southern Baptist minister but left the Christian faith while still in seminary as a young man, explaining, “I simply outgrew it.” He then started a 16-year career in TV news and corporate video production. He became a Unitarian Universalist (1988) and reentered the ministry in 1999 when he began serving the Clifton Unitarian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, until 2011. 

He’s been widely appreciated for his environmental and gay rights activism, in addition to engaging in the areas of criminal justice reform, restorative justice, the peace movement, as well as immigration and racial justice. Eklof has two undergraduate degrees, one in Philosophy, the other in Communications, a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Doctor of Ministry. He is also a certified American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA) member, completed Singularity University’s Executive Program in 2018, and has been a member of Abundance Digital Community ever since. He and his spouse of 35 years have a 32-year-old son and a 28-year-old daughter, along with Chester and Wiley, their two canine companions. 

Todd’s Censoring and Disfellowship