Originally from Philadelphia, Phil lived in Louisville for over 30 years. A retired minister (having served in Methodist and Presbyterian congregations), he is currently a teacher at the Louisville Vipassana Community here in town where he leads meditation retreats. Phil is a founding member of the Buddhist Justice Collective, a local anti-racist group. Phil has been with his wonderful life partner Tricia for over 40 years. They have two adult children and three grandchildren, each of whom fills their hearts with gratitude. Phil loves to run and play music. Phil’s considers his most compelling interests to be meditation, racial justice work, LGBTQIA+ issues, immigration, and the scandal of our criminal legal system
Phil holds a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He has also received training in meditation. Phil was accepted into the Community Dharma Leadership program at Spirit Rock in California and began that 2-year program in 2019. (Because of the pandemic, however, Spirit Rock made the decision to terminate the program). Along with the CDL program, Phil participated in numerous silent retreats and a retreat in New Mexico on linkages with social justice and interfaith work.
Phil has served as a pastor in Methodist congregations in Uruguay and Philadelphia. He was also pastor at the English- and Spanish-speaking congregations of James Lees Memorial Presbyterian Church on Frankfort Avenue for 14 years here in Louisville. Following this time, Phil worked at the Center for Women and Families, our regional domestic violence and rape crisis center. Phil has been involved in mediation, community sports leagues, immigration work, and racial justice issues.