Our Ministers & Staff

Rev. Julia Hamilton

Lead Minister
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(805) 965-4583 ext. 3

“The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love.” -William Sloane Coffin

I am thrilled to be serving the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara as your Lead Minister. I joined this wonderful congregation in 2011, starting as the Assistant Minister and now finding myself settling here and extending our horizons together. Prior to arriving at USSB, I served as the Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey. A lifelong Unitarian Universalist, I earned my Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School in 2008, completing a trajectory that started when I led my first worship service at the age of 13, at my home congregation in New Orleans. I am passionate about bringing our values to life in the world and have co-authored two adult education curricula focusing on justice and our tradition: UU Tapestry of Faith “Resistance and Transformation: UU Social Justice History,” and the UU College of Social Justice “Study Guide for Service Learning.”

Before ministry, I lived in New York City and Los Angeles, working in theater and television – and a few restaurants along the way. I received my B.A. in 1998 from UCSB with a degree in Theater Arts. My husband, Adam, my daughter, Cassia, a dog named Luna, and a cat named Pumba are the others in my household.

I am continually inspired by the smart, caring, dedicated and delightful people in our congregation, and I am honored to walk with you on this journey through life. Please let me know if you would like to set up an appointment for coffee (or tea!) and conversation – I have office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In gratitude,

Rev. Julia