The Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, theologian, liturgist and artist, a native Brazilian, is Associate Professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York (UTS). He has organized workshops on liturgy in different continents of the world, culminating in the publication of Liturgies from Below: Praying with People at the End of the World. His other publications include Ritual at World’s End: Essays on Eco-Liturgical Liberation Theology and Liturgy in Postcolonial Perspectives: Only One is Holy. He will speak about the pandemic and the reimagining of rituals.

The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan is a scholar, preacher, and performer. She served as Professor of Religion and Director of Women’s Studies, Shaw University Divinity School, Raleigh, NC, and is now transitioning to consulting, writing, and music making full time. Dr. Kirk-Duggan has written and edited over twenty-five books. She provides workshops, online boot camps, inspirational blogs and podcasts, and coaching. Her most recent book is Breaking Free to Write. She will share advice on being a spiritual leader.

The Rev. Dr. Jim Merritt, pastor, activist, and chaplain, is a clergy of Metropolitan Community Church and works at the Global Justice Institute. He received his DMin degree from Episcopal Divinity School, focusing on progressive faith and public policy activism. A lifelong community activist, he serves on the board of directors of many organizations and was founding president of Sarasota Equality Project. He will share his experiences of learning from Thich Nhat Hanh and visiting Plum Village in France.

Rev. Susan Berry Taylor serves bi-vocationally as an Episcopal priest and artist in Maine as the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Winthrop and as a working member at High Peaks Artisans Guild in Kingfield. Her passions involve worship and Spiritual pursuits, engaging in community, exploring outdoors, painting, reading and quality time spent with her family (especially scrabbling!). She is the owner/artist at Ammataylorfineart. She will lead the session on art and spirituality.