Sunshine Cathedral Speaker Series

            Since November 2007 we have been very intentional about bringing some of the best speakers and teachers available to Sunshine Cathedral at regular intervals. These speakers bring us a fresh perspective, new insights, and news ways of thinking about faith and spirituality. So far, we have been blessed by:

Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson – author, activist, ecumenist, former pastor, and Presiding Elder & Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. Rev. Wilson visits us annually. Rev. Wilson is a graduate of Allegheny College (BA, Religion), Ss. Cyril & Methodius Seminary (MDiv), and is a DMin candidate at the Episcopal Divinity school.

Rev. Elder Lillie Brock – author, business woman, former mega-church staff minister, and Regional Elder for MCC Region 7. Rev. Brock has been with us twice so far. Rev. Brock is a graduate of Carson Newman College (BA, English & Psychology) and the Samaritan Institute of Religious Studies.

Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry – author, activist, founder and former Presiding Elder & Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. Troy attended Midwestern Bible College and has been given honorary doctorate degrees by Sierra University, Samaritan College, and the Episcopal Divinity School.

Rev. Dr. Mona West – author, editor, teacher, spiritual director, bible scholar, former pastor, and currently the Director of Leadership Development for Metropolitan Community Churches. Mona was with us four times in 2009 and will be back at least three times in 2010. Rev. West holds a BA from Louisiana College, an MDiv and PhD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Columbia Theological Seminary.

The Very Rev. Dr. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale – author, activist, former parish priest, and currently the President & Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School. Dr. Ragsdale is only the second woman and the first “out” gay or lesbian person to hold the top leadership position at an Episcopal seminary. Katherine Ragsdale holds degrees from William & Mary College, Virginia Theological Seminary, and the Episcopal Divinity School, respectively.

And in 2010, not only can we look forward to the return of some of our favorites, but we also have scheduled the Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney (Hebrew Bible professor at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia) and the Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris (the first woman bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion). We will continue inviting world class speakers, scholars, and activists to bless us at the Sunshine Cathedral.

In addition to our own very competent preaching staff, we are blessed by our special guest speakers who are helping us with our mission of Sharing the Light with the World!