25 Who Inspire | Rabbi Nancy Kasten and Rev. George Mason

Rabbi Nancy Kasten and Rev. George Mason
Faith Commons

Nancy Kasten
By George Mason

When we decided to work together, we brainstormed a title for Nancy Kasten and settled on chief relationship officer. It brings together who she is naturally with what she does vocationally.

Nancy practices community-shaped spirituality and person-centered politics, always rooted in love. She is deeply loyal to those closest to her — family, friends, and the Jewish community. But she doesn’t let blood compete with spirit. She honors the image of God in every person and wants for everyone else what she wants for herself and her own beloved community.

Nancy is the bravest person I know. She fights for what and whom she believes in despite pushback or rejection, as long as the cause is just and right. She has taught me that you can’t love from a safe distance or expect things to change without showing up. She doesn’t theorize about interfaith relations; she looks for the spark of the divine in others and finds common ground for the common good.

Titles notwithstanding, we call each other “partner,” which is my fondest privilege. Working side by side with Nancy, I have been changed for good and for good by her relentless love for God and neighbors near and far. I would lock arms with her in storming the gates of hell, and I look forward to walking by her side through the gates of heaven. Gratefully, I haven’t had to wait for the latter, as heaven is all the way there.

Rev. George Mason is founder and president of Faith Commons.

George Mason
By Nancy Kasten

In attempting to pay adequate tribute to George Mason, I cannot do better than the psalmist, who offers a perfect description in Psalm 15.

A psalm of David.

LORD, who may sojourn in Your tent,
who may dwell on Your holy mountain?
He who lives without blame,
who does what is right,
and in his heart acknowledges the truth;
whose tongue is not given to evil;
who has never done harm to his fellow,
or borne reproach for [his acts toward] his neighbor;
for whom a contemptible man is abhorrent,
but who honors those who fear the LORD;
who stands by his oath even to his hurt;
who has never lent money at interest,
or accepted a bribe against the innocent.
The man who acts thus shall never be shaken.

George lives each day strongly rooted in faith — faith in God and faith in us. His frustration with those who cannot understand what is right and just is more than matched by the love and forgiveness he shows for those who do, even when we cannot always live up to his standards. In the seven years we have worked together as Faith Commons, I have been blessed and bolstered by George’s faith in me. I will be forever grateful for his witness in the world, his presence in my life, and the partnership we have forged together.

Rabbi Nancy Kasten is chief relationship officer at Faith Commons.

Faith Commons is a Dallas-based organization that models how to work together amid religious differences.