Rector, St. Paul’s Within the Walls Episcopal Church, Rome, Italy
The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe
Seminary Education:
M.Div – The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, TX
Other Education:
B.A. English – Davidson College, Davidson, NC
Introductory Statement
Dear faithful siblings, I’m delighted to share who I am and look forward to knowing you better during our Meet and Greet events. Growing up in a bicultural family shaped my vocation to connect across lines of difference and lead the communities I’ve served into the joy and power of reconciled relationships in God. Born in Texas and raised in Louisiana, my first cross-cultural immersion experience arose from a move to Wisconsin. While the customs and culture were different from what I’d known, Wisconsin soon became home because of my family’s engagement in the community and the Church. I’ve had extensive practice and experience finding home in new places and new communities, without leaving behind the gifts and connections from previous environments.
Following Christ led me to Mexico, where I served in the Young Adult Service Corps, and then to Western North Carolina, where I served as curate at Grace Church, and then as Diocesan Canon for Spanish Speaking Ministries and Rector of La Capilla de Santa Maria. My work involved advocating for the rights of undocumented parishioners and neighbors, while building interdenominational and interfaith coalitions that could stand together and translate our call to justice into policy change. This ministry connected English-speaking and Spanish-speaking members of the Diocese through storytelling, celebration and grieving—and through making explicit the link between liturgy and social action.
For 11 years, Rome has been my home. St. Paul’s Within the Walls is multicultural, multilingual, and multigenerational. Our primary outreach ministry is the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, where refugee guests from around the globe are welcomed. St. Paul’s represents our Episcopal Church in ecumenical events and to the Vatican. Ministry has involved ensuring the diversity of our parish is represented in leadership; extensive fund-raising and coordination of the restoration of our sanctuary and campus; mentoring YASC interns; and expanding the JNRC so more people may find home here. Serving as Trustee of the Church Pension Fund and deputy to General Conventions keeps me connected to our wider church.
Being both spiritually rooted and willing to journey fearlessly into the unknown arises from my profound faith in the God who knows no human boundaries but seeks to draw all into the transformative love of Christ. If called as your bishop, I would bring this unique formation and experience to the Bay Area. I would hope to listen and learn with you about the ways God calls us to gather in worship, to be transformed, and to serve the people within and beyond the borders of the diocese. It would be an honor to make a home among you, and to proclaim boldly together—in thought, word, and deed—that all belong in God’s beloved community.