Ellen Huffman (she/her) is an ordained Disciples of Christ minister. She has an M.Div. from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and an M.A. in Tibetan Buddhism and Sanskrit from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Her thesis and research are centered on how the body has been viewed and utilized in Buddhist traditions, and what these views can offer people navigating body dysmorphia, anti-fat bias, and diet culture today. Ellen has a background in non-profit work and community organizing, with an emphasis on accompaniment work in the Global South. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Ellen has a home in Cleveland with her wife and their many plants.
Luther (he/him) is an artist, public theologian, and social justice advocate. He is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He serves as Council Moderator of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance (AllianceQ) and a board member for Q Christian Fellowship.
He holds a B.S. from Belmont University, M.Div. from Vanderbilt University, and an M.A. from The Ohio State University. A Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology at The Ohio State University, much of Luther’s academic and community work addresses class inequalities, racial injustice, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other disadvantaged groups.
Jeff (he/him) a computer programmer for the City of Garland, Texas. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and was an atheist until 2018, when he had such a supernatural experience with God that he couldn’t deny God’s existence. He is a member of First Christian Church Plano where he enjoys worshipping the Lord and serving the church as a lay leader and board member.
The work of affirmation, love, and liberation for ALL is meaningful to Jeff because he has experienced rejection, hate/fear, and oppression. Jeff says, “I don’t want anyone else to go through that, and I want everyone to know that God loves them and that they are welcome. Jesus commands us to love our neighbor, not tolerate, or judge, but to love.”
Ari (they/them) who is openly nonbinary-agender and bisexual (their gender and others), is the pastor of Portsmouth Union Church in Portland Oregon. Ari is an M.Div. graduate of Phillips Theological Seminary and is attending there for their D.Min. focused on teaching clergy and laity how to be public theologians (activists). They are the primary author of GA 2352, movement organizer in the Poor People’s Campaign, and has been the chaplain for a transgender and nonbinary support group. Ari is a tabletop gaming geek and loves all things Scottish. They father an eleven-year-old autistic child, and step-fur-parent two cats.
Erin (she/they) is a student at Phillips and plans to be ordained through the Illinois/Wisconsin Region. Central Illinois is where she calls home, mainly a small town called Mackinaw. Mackinaw Christian Church is where she was taught and learned the stories of Jesus and the meaning of the church, acceptance, affirmation, liberation, and love. Erin says, “This work is meaningful to me because that is what my theology says, that is what my faith stems from, and I feel called to spread that message in my work and in my life.”
Leticia (she/her) is a member of First Christian Church Plano where she serves as Chair of the Outreach Committee, Chair of Safety and Security, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Youth Sponsor, and a deacon. She has worked on projects for long-term care facilities and collaborated with City House, an organization that helps young teens experiencing homelessness. I also support Twelve 12 Ministries, an organization that supports
women with infertility and pregnancy.
Evan (he/him) a lifelong Disciple and holds an MDiv from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He is an alumni of the National Benevolent Association (NBA) XPLOR program. Evan was born and raised in Fort Worth, and after spending time in Louisiana, Missouri, am now living in Northern California again with his spouse.
Evan says, “I am excited about the opportunity to engage with AllianceQ because of my focus on justice-oriented ministry and my experience working in equity with the NBA.”
Rev. Dr. (“Doc”) Al (he/him) was born in Toronto, Ontario and is biracial/bicultural Dine’/White. Born intersex and predominantly male (literally 2 Spirit), Doc was subjected at birth to massive experimental “gender correcting” surgery and medical procedures.
Doc holds a BS in education from the University of Missouri, two Masters degrees (Counseling from the University of Missouri and an MDiv from Eden UCC Seminary), and a Doctor of Ministry from Brite Seminary in Fort Worth. Doc has experience as a therapist for clergy and clergy families and addiction/offender counseling, and has experience as a first responder/hostage negotiator. In addition, Doc has experience as a church planter and congregational pastor in diverse locations and cultures.
Coming from a massively dysfunctional family and having experienced life in many situations and places, Doc’s hope, passion, and prayer-in-action is that ALL God’s children experience the love and welcome of Christ Himself, and that ALL are included and valued as the beloved children of God they are created to be.