Dear USG Community,

I’m writing with a personal update to let you all know that this past spring Livia and I separated. We were partnered for 15 years and will continue to be family for each other, even if not in a married way. We remain committed to keeping our children as the central organizing principle of our lives and that won’t change as we navigate this season. I moved into the apartment on the first floor of our house in West Philly, so we are all still under the same roof in a slightly different configuration.

Livia will always be the other mother of my children and an important part of my life. We plan to raise our kids as UUs and I hope that when she comes to church she’ll receive the same warmth and welcome you have always shown her. At its core though, this is a private family matter and you should know we are working on our new normal with the help of good therapists and a deep bench of family and friends. My focus remains on my children and my ministry and I’m really looking forward to what this congregational year has in store for us.  

This chapter of my life has been one of introspection and wonder. My heart has been filled to bursting and then broken open by my own learning and observation that many of us are carrying heavy burdens just below the surface. I am sending each of you my gratitude for your anticipated kindness and support.

With love and faith,

Rev. Hannah