Testimonial:
Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
To whom it may concern:
I am happy to recommend Kate Wilkinson as a candidate for your ministry.
I first met Kate when I interviewed her as a ministerial aspirant. I was immediately struck by her lifelong commitment to our faith, her intelligence and her willingness to explore many applications of her ministry. I took total advantage of this willingness and asked her to become an intern for the district to help us explore our social justice ministries, and she agreed. The district greatly benefited from her help, and I've been watching her career develop ever since. I recommended her for an open position on the Mass Bay District Board because of my esteem for the contribution I knew she could make.
I have not directly worked with Kate in a congregational setting, but I can tell you what the congregations she has served have said about her: "one of the best preachers I have ever heard" was a common remark. And also "a compassionate pastor," "an invigorating advocate for social justice involvement," and "just generally thoughtful about everything." In her work at the Urban Ministry I have heard reports about her visits at local congregations as being above and beyond the usual "drive-by" preaching – many talk about how she helped them to think deeply about their values in a non-judgmental and inviting way.
I hope you will seriously consider her candidacy as one that could bring great depth and compassion to your congregation. Please contact me with any questions you may have. And best of luck in your search process.
In faith,
The Reverend Dr. Terasa G. Cooley
Director for Congregational Life
Unitarian Universalist Association