Rev. Ali brings a message of hope and possibility whenever he shows up. There is no denial of the challenges, nor the difficulty of living as if love were real. Both honesty and joy are present in the future Rev. Ali asks us to build together.

Rev. Bill Sinkford
Former UUA President

Rev Ali brings the best of two professions to his ministry, that of social work and ministry. His gentle presence, compassion, and ability to join with others where they are in their journey enables spiritual growth and a realization of one’s potential. He is a kind and loving teacher.

Betsy B.
Co-Chair of Caring Team

Rev Ali has been a wonderful addition to our community. His gentle and caring nature shines when he works with members through his pastoral care duties. He always provokes thoughts and pushes me to grow when he preaches.

Marilyn
Congregant

As a Unitarian Universalist Minister and denominational official, my path crosses those of many other ministers. I am also a member of Cedar Lane UU Congregation where Rev. Ali Bell serves on the ministry team. My experience of Rev. Ali is one of a colleague who has extraordinary pastoral skills influenced by varied life experiences. Rev. Ali is also a strong preacher, has a welcoming presence, and is committed to inclusiveness – theologically and identify-based. I am so appreciative of Rev. Ali, and glad that he is a colleague.

Rev. Richard Nugent
Director, UUA Office of Church Staff Finances

I came to know Rev. Ali during our congregation’s selection process for an Associate Minister. It was immediately apparent that they would bring a very special set of gifts to our religious community. My expectations have been greatly exceeded in every way. Our congregation can count on Rev. Ali to always speak the truth in a warm and compassionate manner; a rare combination - we are very fortunate to have him minister to the needs of our congregation.

Robert E.
Board Member and Chair of Associate Minister Selection Committee

I don't have the words to express how deeply meaningful it was to be a part of a service like that that was led by another trans person. To celebrate and mourn trans lives with trans people is an experience that moved me deeply and is one I will not forget. What a blessing your ministry has been to me. This is the first time in my life that I have experienced personally the guidance of another trans person. At the end of the service last night you said, "Go out. Do well. Do justice. Love truly. Be yourselves." My best friend and I have a date night planned over Zoom to paint those words onto canvas so you can be a permanent part of our daily mantras.

Becca
Congregant

I loved what you said in today's sermon, "I will not be forced to color my world in the picture you choose." That so resonates with me. Going to find an artistic way to capture that so that I see it every day as a reminder to keep “doing my thing!”

Roz G
Congregant

Rev. Ali is present and kind. He’s fully engaged wherever he is and offers pertinent ideas. He’s also very present one-on-one and he listens and responds with compassion and insight.

Kathleen
Congregant

Rev. Ali is the best!! He is very caring, insightful and compassionate which comes across in his preaching and individual sessions. He has helped me a lot with a difficult family situation.

Carole
Congregant

The way [Ali] put together spoken word and music made it a really rich experience especially for those who may not connect so much with the usual worship services that we do on Sunday mornings.

Markus Hauck
Director of Music Ministries

Intern Ali, that is wonderful that you see this need and are a part of developing this [BIPOC Caring] collective to address it. Again, you have so many great ideas and know how to implement them. You are a blessing to this community and to the world.

Kathryn Counsell
Congregant

We very much enjoyed your sermon today. Tying in a story from your childhood really brought the theme to life, and the delivery was warm and inspiring.

Lauren and John Carlton
Congregant

Thank you so much for the wonderfully rich, relevant, and moving Christmas Eve (7 pm) service! I so very much appreciate the care, community building, and professionalism I saw and experienced at this service for members of the congregation and possible newcomers! Amazing! Thank you, thank you for sharing this special service!

Silke
Congregant

What a moving message in every way this morning, Ali. You told [the story of Palm Sunday] with such presence! You brought us into the outskirts of Jerusalem, standing by the side of the road witnessing Jesus' not completely "triumphal entry" as you spoke with what transpired that day and as the days progressed and his time drew closer to the horrific execution that he suffered. And then...Easter. It's always a challenge from those of us who are UU clergy to preach about these holidays, how to bring the stories to life and not come down so hard on whether or not it all "actually happened". Truths are in the stories.

Rev. Dr. Jan Carlsson-Bull