“The Department of Peacebuilding”

Ever since the Department of War was created in 1789, the United States followed an all-too typical strategy: prepare for war to keep the peace. The painstaking and crucial work of peacebuilding has not gotten equal federal attention and resources. As weapons become more deadly and expensive, isn’t it time the federal government give greater time, resources and status to peacebuilding?  Hugh Taft-Morales explores this important initiative and the reasons behind the resolution proposed at the American Ethical Union on August 8, 2021: Renewal of Commitment to a Culture of Peace.

Hugh Taft-Morales serves as Leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society and the Baltimore Ethical Society and is a member of the Ethical Action Committee of the American Ethical Union (AEU).  Hugh taught philosophy and history for twenty-five years in Washington, D. C., after which he transitioned into Ethical Culture Leadership.  In April of 2009 he graduated from the Humanist Institute and was certified as an Ethical Culture Leader by the AEU in 2010.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Taft-Morales graduated with a B.A. cum laude in American History from Yale University, 1979, and an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Kent at Canterbury, England, 1986.  He lives in Takoma Park, Maryland, with his wife, Maureen, a Specialist in Latin America for the Congressional Research Service.  They have three wonderful adult children – Sean, Maya, and Justin. Hugh’s hobbies include yoga, singing, and playing guitar.