Ministers and Staff

Namaste, and welcome to Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation. I’m the Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister since 2013.

I am a Hindu-Unitarian Universalist, shaped by the progressive Brahmo Samaj movement in India, grounded in Unitarian Universalist values, and deeply engaged in interfaith and justice-centered ministry. My calling is to build spiritual community, nurture compassion and courage, and help people live out their deepest values in a complex world.

Before coming to Cedar Lane, I served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Florida, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Across these ministries, I’ve focused on inclusive worship, pastoral care, ethical leadership, and social transformation. My approach is rooted in relationship because ministry is not something we do alone. It’s something we build together, across time and difference.

I currently serve on the Executive Council of Religions for Peace USA. I’ve served as President of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), the Montgomery County Interfaith Community Working Group, and on the Internal Review Board at the National Cancer Institute (NIH).

As a lifelong interfaith leader, I draw from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Unitarian Universalist traditions. My spirituality is pluralistic, non-dogmatic, and grounded in justice and love. I often describe myself as a religious hybrid—a theological crossbreed—committed to building communities where people of all identities, beliefs, and backgrounds can belong.

At Cedar Lane, we are creating a multifaith, multicultural, multigenerational congregation that centers love, justice, equity, and action. We welcome people of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and belief systems—especially those seeking meaning, purpose, and connection beyond traditional religion.

If you’re looking for a spiritual home where your questions are heard, your values are shared, and your whole self is welcome, you belong here.

Rev. Dayna Edwards, who has now been with Cedar Lane for over three years, is serving as our Minister for Faith Formation. Her portfolio focuses on church-wide faith formation, including programming for children, youth and adults; pastoral care for children, youth, young adults, and families; supporting our multiracial and multifaith families; and regular participation in Sunday morning services. Her email is [email protected].

Rev. Louise Green is an affiliate UU community minister in Washington D.C. She has served at All Souls Church Unitarian D.C., River Road UU Congregation, and as an organizer in New York City and Maryland organizations. Currently she is a spiritual director and organizing consultant, and just served as summer minister at UUC Arlington. Louise lives with her spouse Regina and a home full of animal companions.