The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D. is a transplanted New Englander. A native of a small town near Plymouth Rock in the greater Boston area of Massachusetts, (the U-U Vatican city) he received his early academic training at Boston University, Roger Williams University, Suffolk University, and Andover-Newton Theological School. Later he earned a certificate in Spiritual Formation at the Shalem Institute in Washington, DC.. In 1995, he completed his doctorate in Theology and Spirituality at Greenwich University, School of Theology in London, England.

Peter has been a Unitarian Universalist minister since 1982. Previously, while he was a settled minister, he has participated in wide ranging denominational activities- from the Skinner Awards for sermons, to being an envoy to the U-U United Nations office; from participating in the Romanian Sister City project, to increased U-U visibility by chairing local clergy groups, and being a charter signer/spokesman for a regional clergy task force combating anti-Semitism. Peter also served as the National President of the U-U Psi Symposium, a group that ran educational seminars investigating complementary medicine, meditation, stress management, comparative religion, new approaches to spirituality and health, men's studies, relationships and other topics.

Before coming to Charleston, Peter was part of the accredited interim ministry program of the UUA. He served as the the interim minister in Minnetonka, MN, Grafton, MA, Manchester, CT, Naples, FL, and State College, PA. While at State College, he initiated a community wide response to the tragedies such as Littleton by forming an interfaith coalition against prejudice and violence that worked cooperatively with advocacy and non- profits groups, the school system, and the police to assist the public in promote greater understanding, compassion and safety.

When he was a householder, back in Massachusetts, Peter enjoyed organic gardening, nature walks, tennis, Tai Chi, and the four seasons. Also, he has always maintained a love for the arts, especially theatre. As a "Renaissance man", Peter is sees himself as an Italian "Fiddler on the Roof"--one who is trying to keep his balance, who is learning to enjoy life's insecurities, and seeking the grace and wisdom it takes to dance through each day's challenges. Peter brings his open-hearted approach to the ministry in a way that honors and preserves the past while enthusiastically embracing change, and all the opportunities that the future holds.

Peter has taught adult courses in mid-life questions, U-U ideals, and developed a year-long study program he calls " A Bible Study for Seekers and Skeptics" that integrates Jungian psychology, world religions and contemporary Biblical scholarship into promoting greater literacy and comprehension of life themes and inclusive religious principles.

As the 50th minister of UUC, he will bring a new vision of greater social involvement, new opportunities of interfaith exploration, greater visibility, and an increased awareness of the church community as an enthusiastic, vital, and inclusive alternative in the "Holy City!"
As a new Charlestonian, he is undergoing the transformation process of trying to become a Southern Gentleman....!

Rev. Peter Lanzillotta, Ph.D. email: revpeluuc@bellsouth.net