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Our Minister
Our minister, Reverend Paul Britner, brings a diverse collection of interests and experiences to UUFM. Paul is a second-career minister, having previously worked for many years as an attorney in Washington, D.C. After a shorter tenure as the Education and Advocacy Director of a non-profit, inter-faith social services organization in Rockville, Maryland, Paul attended seminary at the Earlham School of Religion, which is associated with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). He graduated from seminary in May, 2004, and then served as a chaplain resident at a regional hospital in Anderson, South Carolina for one year before accepting the call to UUFM.
Paul was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and received his undergraduate degree in 1981 from Indiana University at Indianapolis, where he was a history major. Just to give himself a break after college, he took a seasonal job at the Grand Canyon National Park and ended up staying for nearly three years, working as a desk clerk and a tour guide. He received his law degree from the Arizona College of Law in 1989. His entire legal career was spent as a government lawyer, first in the U.S. General Accounting Office and then with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Paul’s spirituality is deeply rooted in his experiences from many years in 12-step programs and from his experiences out west. The awe and wonder he experienced at the Grand Canyon and his exposure to Native American traditions continue to shape his faith. Paul also is influenced by the traditional Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity and integrity.
Paul is married to Karen Nelson and has three step-children, Kristin, Tori, and Bobby. Paul and Karen also have two dogs, Sam and Annie.
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