readersnapshot Who’s a Natural Awakenings Reader? An Interview with Ed Kosak, Minister of Unity of Charleston by Elizabeth Franchini How did you become interested in the interfaith movement? Kosak: In 2008, a Florida minister wanted to burn many copies of the Koran. One of Unity’s parishioners, Cookie Washington, suggested an interfaith service on James Island as a possible response to the hate that was generated. But I have always been interested in the interfaith movement. I became more interested in ministerial school in part because of Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, the founders of the Unity movement. Although the Fillmores settled on Christianity, they studied world religions and were open minded. Their metaphysical approach gave them the incentive to study different religions and how they relate to one another. We have symbols of the major religions displayed at Unity, and I have always felt that travel gives you a different perspective and appreciation for other cultures, religions, etc. How prevalent is the interfaith movement in South Carolina and when did it start in Charleston? Kosak: The S.C. interfaith movement started in Columbia, South Carolina, and was called Interfaith Partners of South Carolina. It had long been static in Charleston, but with Cookie’s help, it was rejuvenated. Mayor Riley asked Howie Comen, who is Jewish, to organize an interfaith service in response to the Koran burnings. There have since been many more events in Columbia and Charleston. What events have you done from an interfaith perspective? Kosak: In Charleston three services have been conducted involving different religions. In 2008, 250 people gathered for the service at James Island County
Park where 12 religions were involved, including 35 Muslims. In 2011, 700 people gathered at the Sottile Theater where 10 religions were involved with an interfaith focus for 9/11. A few years later, 400 people gathered at Physicians Auditorium at the College of Charleston where 12 religions were involved. Have you done anything else to promote the interfaith movement? Kosak: Yes. This year has been the interfaith year at Unity. Every month, a representative, whether it be a minster or a theologian, has spoken on a different religion. These have included Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Mormonism, Taoism, Unitarianism, Baha’i, and Earth Based/ Paganism. Non-Unity people have also attended the services, which demonstrates that people are interested in learning about different religions. The interfaith services will continue into next year. What is the Parliament of World Religions? Kosak: It’s like the world’s interfaith organization. I attended last year’s event in Salt Lake City and it was phenomenal. There were 10,000 people, 80 religions represented and 50 countries. By far, it was the most uplifting spiritual occasion I’ve ever attended.
Tell us about your background. Kosak: I have been at Unity of Charleston since July of 2002 when I finished ministerial school. I took over Unity from its founder, the Rev. MaryAnn Finch. After attending Unity of Chicago in 1989 and participating in a wonderful meditation, I consciously said to myself, “I’m gonna be a Unity minister someday!” My personal mission statement is, “Facilitating the spiritual and emotional transformation of those I serve and to promote unity in our diversity.” I also was in the Catholic seminary for nine years with the Augustinians. I am a former high school teacher and clinical social worker and did therapy for 16 years in various settings, such as drug rehabilitation centers, private practice and neurorehabilitation facilities. I love being active in sports, such as swimming, cycling, walking and yoga. I have a wonderful wife and two awesome sons. What do you like most about Natural Awakenings? Kosak: From a personal point of view, I like it because it provides holistic options to consider rather than meds, etc. From a church point of view, it is THE best targeted marketing tool for people to find out about Unity. For more information about Unity, see listing, page 39. Elizabeth Franchini is a board member at Unity of Charleston, sharing Ed Kosak’s passion for peace and understanding. She is a retired school counselor and mental health therapist, and is currently the site manager for a Trident Literacy GED center and future private practice therapist.
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