Reverend Dr. Renita Marie Green,

Reverend Dr. Renita Marie Green is a distinguished spiritual leader, scholar, and advocate for social justice, whose career encompasses a profound blend of ministry, academia, writing, and community engagement. With a deep commitment to integrating faith, ethics, and activism, Dr. Green has significantly impacted her work in pastoral ministry, higher education, and public discourse.

Dr. Green earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Payne Theological Seminary, focusing on Religious, Political, and Social Ethics, and her Master of Divinity degree from the same institution. She was also named a John Robert Lewis Fellow at the Faith and Politics Institute, where she delved into the intersections of faith, politics, and civil rights, reflecting her dedication to advancing justice and equity in the spirit of Congressman Lewis.

 In her pastoral ministry within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Green has led five congregations over the past 24 years, currently serving Holy Trinity AME Church in Wilberforce, Ohio. She has been instrumental in developing strategic plans for growth, fostering leadership within congregations, and building partnerships that extend the church’s mission into the broader community. Her ministry is characterized by an emphasis on spiritual formation, community transformation, and empowering congregants to actively participate in their communities.

 An accomplished scholar and public intellectual, Dr. Green has taught at theological and academic institutions, offering courses on Contemporary Christian worship, Civil Rights, Church History, AME History and Polity, pedagogy, and resistance theology. She has authored several influential works, including “Holy Moly! The Spirituality of Sexuality,” “The Lord's Prayer: A Manifesto for Liberation and Justice” and “What’s Next? Navigating the Crossroads of Decline.”

 Her prolific writing also includes contributions to The Christian Recorder and The Huffington Post, where she explores the spiritual dimensions of activism, the ethical imperatives of justice, and the role of faith in public life. Recognized as one of the Huffington Post's People of the Year in 2014, Dr. Green is celebrated for her thought leadership and unwavering commitment to justice.

Beyond her academic and pastoral roles, Dr. Green is deeply involved in faith-based activism and community service. She founded organizations such as The Dolores Alston Foundation for Scholarship, The People’s Shelter, providing critical resources to marginalized communities, and Kids Klub a grassroots youth co-op. She has organized civil rights pilgrimages, participated in panels and symposia focused on eradicating racism and addressing classism, and has led initiatives promoting inclusivity and justice.

Dr. Green’s contributions have been honored with numerous awards, including the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, Kasten Award for Community Engagement, Heart of Social Work Award, Black Lives Matter Award, Human Rights Award, VFW Award for Homeless Outreach, Spirit of Jarena Lee Award, and a Letter of Recognition from the World Council of Churches. Her work continues to inspire and challenge individuals to deepen their spiritual understanding and engage in the transformative work of justice and equity, embodying her faith in every aspect of her life and leadership.

Her greatest joy is being the mother of adult children Chrissi, Darren (Danielle), and Tye, and being Gramma to Sōl Rē and Ayla Marie. In her personal time, Rev. Dr. Green enjoys hanging out with her cats (Cat & Priscilla Ann), as well as improv acting, hiking, kayaking, exploring new places, starting DIY projects, making TikToks, and simply finding joy all around.