How do we discern an ethical path in the face of horrifying violence and suffering, when the idea of standing by feels unethical? Society Leader Curt Collier provides answers in this column.Read More
The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County
A non-theistic religion that puts kindness and flourishing at the center of a meaningful life.
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Sunday Gathering 11am
Our thought-provoking talks and discussions cover a wide range of subjects relating to ethics in modern life. Please join us, then stay for coffee and conversation.
Sunday School
All are welcome to our Ethical Adventures Family and Friends Circle, a family-friendly gathering for ethical exploration and adventure.Progressive Social Action
Ethical Culture has an extensive history of accomplishments in the area of Social Action, as well as regular panels and educational seminars.Curt Collier
Leader Curt Collier is an environmental activist and served at three other Ethical Societies. He sees his role at Bergen as helping us build strong programming for today’s world.Social Life
Get-togethers take many different forms, either spontaneous or recurring: dinners, parties, hikes, picnics, and cultural outings. We laugh and eat and talk, talk, talk!
The Arts
We offer Open Mic Variety Night and other live venues for music, entertainment, and socializing. Many members are musicians, writers, and visual artists.Latest News and Opinion
What Decisions Can We Make in the Face of Atrocities?
Help Guide the Future of the Hackensack River and Other Community Waterways
Planners at the New York-New Jersey Harbor and Estuary Program invite you to provide input as they build a blueprint for the future of our community waterways.Read More
Give Children Many Opportunities to Practice Ethical Behavior
The environments we cultivate for our children play a crucial role in their ability to make good, ethical decisions, says Leader Curt Collier in this column.Read More
Bob and Edy Levine Buried with Full Military Honors
The remains of two longtime members of our Society, Bob and Edith Levine, were interred at National Cemetery with full military honors, capping an extraordinary story of courage and compassion rooted in World War II.Read More
Many Ways to Celebrate at Spring Art Show and Festival
We welcomed spring with an art show featuring more than 50 works by members and friends, followed by a Spring Arts Festival with singing, dancing, poetry, and a handmade garden!Read More
Life is Too Important to be Entrusted to Nationalists, Chauvinists, Bigots, and Racists
Choosing to confront potential disapproval in order to embrace our authenticity can be a life-affirming decision for ourselves and for others, says Leader Curt Collier.
Read More
Our Sunday School
Let us say more about our programs to grow Ethical Kids.
Our Sunday SchoolToddlers through Teens
We provide a sense of belonging in an established community of people actively living according to their ethical ideals.Read More...
You've got FAQsWe have Answers
What is the Ethical Society and the Ethical Movement? Which goals are stressed when developing curriculum? How are parents involved in the classes?Read More...
NewsFrom Our Sunday School
Keep up with our kids, who are always learning about how to be an ethical person with hands-on good works.Read More...
Proud History of Progressive Social Action
Ethical Culture has an extensive history of Social Action and our Society has initiated major social justice projects. This is a summary. See more on our Social Action page.
Early Accomplishments
1950s - 1970s
- Founded the Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey
- Active in desegregating the Teaneck Public Schools
- Founded Camp Elliott, a multi-racial summer camp
Focus on Justice
1980s - 1990s
- Spearheaded a multi-faceted commitment to housing justice and sheltering the homeless
- Engaged collectively in civil disobedience and create The Sanctuary for Central American Refugees, preparing us for the next challenges
Still Making a Difference
2000 to Present
- Founded the The Northern New Jersey Sanctuary Coalition. Along with other organizations, it provies humanitarian services for political asylum seekers.
- Founded the group which became the Bergen County Brady Chapter to end gun violence
Adult Ed: Personal Growth for Grown-Ups
We are committed to the ideal of lifelong education. We learn from each other in variety of programs that address all subjects related directly or indirectly to ethics.
Sign up at the door to participate in a 10-minute set or just show up to appreciate!
Entrance is FREE!
Open Mic Variety NightThird Friday, 7:30pm
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Mindfulness at MiddayMost Fridays at Noon
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Get the Zoom link by RSVPing on Meetup or emailing [email protected] a day before the meeting.
Conversemos (Let's Talk)Usually the second Monday, 7:30pm
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Member News
Meet our talented members
Introducing Nadège and Michel Stretz
Our newest members are looking for opportunities to meet people who think critically and have wide interests.Read More
Meet New Member Gerry Migliore
Gerry Migliore, who has a long relationship with Ethical Culture, has joined our Society. He says he is interested in helping to create programs and to build our congregation.Read More
Sharing my Zeal for Classical Music—and Culinary Delights
Accomplished pianist Azar Gordon recently shared her zest for classical music and her culinary skills with fellow members.Read More
Our Most Viewed Articles
iChildhood
In this column, Janet Glass explores the challenges of raising children in a wired world, which requires a new type of awareness from parents.
The Spread of Democracy
Democracy is spreading. This column by our representatives to the UN describes what that means for human rights.
Religion and Religious Violence
Leader Joseph Chuman discusses how religion relates to violence in general and to terror in particular.
The Israel-Palestinian Conflict: Each Side’s Contrasting Narratives
Each side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its own narrative. What is important for understanding of both sides is to know what they leave out.
How to Tell the Difference Between Right and Wrong
Let us make up a myth to provide ourselves with moral backbone. As long as we are careful to bear in mind that it is a myth, the overall effect should be positive.
Ethical Dilemmas of Globalization
Some say globalization has created a runaway world. Our UN correspondent looks at the contentious issue of globalization in trade and its effects on the poor as well as the rich.
Darwin’s Challenge to Religion and the Religious Response
Leader Joseph Chuman looks at why creationism is so popular and offers a proper religious response to Darwinism.
Free Will: The Last Great Lie
Robert Gulack assembles all the available evidence, which has piled higher and higher in the last 100 years, to refute the notion of free will.
What to Do When Life Is Not Fair
The antidote to injustice is action. Take unfairness and transform it into a task, says Leader Joseph Chuman.