Meet an innoFaither is our series to introduce the inspiring optimists in the innoFaith world and what they’re working on and thinking about. We hope it helps you find and engage with each other across the network to advance faith-rooted social innovation and interfaith collaboration for social impact. Or just meet some cool people.
Meet Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, one of our favorite “intrapreneurs,” using her innovation mindset and talents to help renew a faith institution from within. She also created Queer Clergy Trading Cards to celebrate the gifts of queer clergy and support queer and trans youth organizations.
What faith(s), if any, do you practice? Is your faith or practice bringing special inspiration or insight for you in this current moment?
I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and practice Christianity. Through this past year, my faith has held me and offered stability in rituals of my ancestors and the hope of the collective liberation brought about by our co-creating a Just World with God.
Where do you live?
I live in Cleveland, OH, with my wife Laura and our nearest and dearest friends in community.
What's your favorite pastime?
We have an urban farm, and I have been learning beekeeping! I also organize with Showing Up for Racial Justice, Northeast OH, and do a lot of dreaming about how this world can be a more just and equitable place for all of our great-great-great granddaughters.
What are you working on currently?
I am teaching a Leadership class alongside my dear friend Rabbi Elan Babchuck, worrying about springtime and bees, preparing for the General Synod of the United Church of Christ, and seeking to shift the culture of the institution towards the space to imagine innovation. I believe institutions are only as creative and just as the people that are within them, so have stayed in this work at this place to help do the slow work of change.
What question are you thinking about these days?
How will we connect after the pandemic has unveiled and exasperated wealth disparities? How do I utilize my own access towards impact? How do I live out my values? How do I hold space for dialectics and complexities?
How can people find you?
Photo Credit: Jennifer White