Rev. Michael Piazza

Michael is a spiritual visionary, author and social justice advocate who currently serves as Dean of the Cathedral of Hope, a congregation of the United Church of Christ, known as the world’s largest liberal Christian church with a predominantly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender outreach, as well as President of Hope for Peace and Justice, a non-profit ministry of Cathedral of Hope whose mission is equipping progressive people of faith to be champions for peace and justice.

A native of Georgia, Rev. Piazza has served in ministry for more than three decades, pastoring churches in Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Florida. He holds Bachelor Degrees in history and psychology from Valdosta State College in Georgia and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta.

The “Advocate” magazine named Rev. Piazza one of the most influential people in the gay and lesbian movement (August 1999). His published books include Gay by God: How to be Lesbian or Gay and Christian (formerly Holy Homosexuals), Queeries: Questions Lesbians and Gays have for God, The Real antiChrist: How America Sold its Soul and Prophetic Renewal: Hope for the Liberal Church, designed to help restore vitality to liberal congregations. He currently is at work on Confessions of a Rainmaker about fundraising in difficult times. Rev. Piazza and his partner Bill have been together since 1980 and have two daughters.

Rev. Anthony B. Robinson

Tony has served four congregations, the latest being Plymouth Church in downtown Seattle. His present ministry is a multi-faceted one. He travels throughout North America as a speaker, teacher, preacher, consultant and coach serving congregations and their leaders. He has taught at several schools including Emmanuel College/ Toronto School of Theology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University and Vancouver School of Theology.

He is the President of Congregational Leadership Northwest, a Seattle-based ecumenical group that offers leadership education and support for congregational leaders.

Tony is the author of nine books, the most recent Changing the Conversation: A Third Way for Congregations, published by Eerdmans Publishing Company in 2008. He is at work on two new books, one on preaching and leadership, the other on Scripture and ethics. He is also a frequent contributor to various magazines and journals, including The Christian Century, Congregations, and Perspectives. Tony also writes for the Northwest on-line newsource, crosscut.com.