Keynote Speakers
Jonathan Merritt
Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most trusted thought leaders at the intersection of faith and culture. Across two decades, Jonathan has shaped the American religious landscape through hundreds of articles published in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, Christianity Today, and USA Today, and as an award-winning contributing writer for The Atlantic. He currently serves as a Vice President and Executive Editor for Simon & Schuster. Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and has done additional graduate work at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in Manhattan.
Erin and Irvina Edwards
Rev. Dr. Erin Edwards is a pastor, speaker, and theological leader passionate about helping people reclaim faith, wholeness, and authentic community. As Director of Ecclesial Innovation at Brite Divinity School, Erin works at the intersection of ministry, inclusion, and spiritual formation. A gifted communicator known for blending storytelling, humor, and deep theological reflection, Erin speaks nationally on healing from church hurt, Spirit-filled faith, and courageous leadership. Erin is also the author of the forthcoming book Still Anointed: Gay, Called, and Refusing to Choose.
Brent Bailey
Brent Bailey (he/him) is an Associate Pastor at LaSalle Street Church, an independent church in Chicago. He grew up in the Houston area and completed his undergraduate and M.Div. studies at Abilene Christian University, and he’s finishing a year-long mentorship with the Bakos Project. Brent lives in the city with his husband, Steve, and their dog, Hank, short for "Henri Nouwen," who modeled the kind of contemplative spirituality and compassionate presence to which Brent aspires.
Marcus Halley
The Very Rev. Dr. Marcus Halley is the College Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life at Trinity College, where he leads initiatives in interfaith engagement, pastoral care, and community formation. An Episcopal priest, teacher, and author, his work explores the intersections of spirituality, justice, reconciliation, and public life. His work includes authoring Proclaim!: Sharing Words, Living Examples, Changing Lives and Abide in Peace: Healing and Reconciliation and curating a Substack newsletter and podcast called Everyday Liturgist. Deeply shaped by the Black church tradition and ecumenical collaboration, Dr. Halley is committed to cultivating communities rooted in compassion, courage, and hope.
Katherine Johnson
Katherine works as the Programming Manager for The Reformation Project, an organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ inclusion in the church. After earning a B.A. in Christian Ministries, Katherine has gained over 20 years of ministry experience in churches and parachurch organizations. She also holds an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary and a Th.M. from Columbia Theological Seminary with a focus on Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis. Her greatest passion is studying and teaching Scripture with the goal of helping people to encounter it in ways that foster a life-giving relationship with God and personal growth in Christlike love.