Ordained Interfaith Minister

John Shelby Spong was the Episcopal Bishop serving Newark from 1976 - 2000. He published 26 books and gave as many as 200 talks per year including in the years after his retirement. A fierce  advocate for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and people of color during his life, he sought a new Christianity for the modern world that moved away from Biblical literalism. 

Rev. Yarnall gave a talk in tribute to Bishop Spong on February 6, 2022.

John Shelby Spong's website is ProgressingSpirit.com which is produced by ProgreesiveChristianity.org

This LETTER captures much about the late Bishop Soong, including his heart, his values and his love of the Unity movement. For more on Unity visit Unity.org 

The late John Shelby Spong (1931 - 2021) spoke annually at Unity of New York. Here are three of those talks, available only as audio:  

NOTE - as of 2025, the DATES listed on the Unity of NY website are not accurate; all say 2016. The links below should get you to the page for each talk, or close to it. 

The Fourth Gospel: Tales of A Jewish Mystic - 2013 - Search the pages of this Audio Library for the title if it's not on the linked page.  

The Samaritan Woman and Moving Beyond Creeds - 12/7/2014 - Search the pages of this Audio Library for the title if it's not on the linked page.  

The Shadow of Moses in the Gospel of Matthew - 12/6/2015. Search the pages of this Audio Library for the title if it's not on the linked page.  

Matthew's Most Powerful Resurrection Story (EASTER TALK) - 3/27/2016. Search the pages of this Audio Library for the title if it's not on the linked page.  

Joseph - the Strong, Silent Type - Myth or History? - Talk at Unity of Dallas 7/31/2015