Leaders

	Dr. Barbara Ann Holmes is Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Memphis Theological Seminary in Tennessee. An accomplished attorney as well as an ordained pastor and theologian, she is author of several books, including one that we recommend for this conference Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church (Augsburg, 2004). With a background in the Pentecostal tradition, Dr. Holmes received her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. She is now a member of the Disciples of Christ (Christian) denomination.
	Dr. M. Thomas Thangaraj taught World Christianity at Candler School of Theology Emory University, in Atlanta for twenty years before moving back to his native India. He now serves on the faculty of Tamilnadu Theological Seminary in Madurai. His book Relating to People of Other Religions: What Every Christian Needs to Know (Abingdon, 1997) is recommended reading in preparation for this conference.
	Elise Eslinger is Editior of The Upper Room Worshipbook: Music and Liturgies for Spiritual Formation. A frequently sought after musician and worship consultant, she has served at the local church, conference and general agency levels of the church, as well on the staff of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. A native of Mississippi, she holds a Masters degree in Sacred Liturgy from St. Meinrad's Seminary near Evansville, Indiana. Elise will serve as Worship Coordinator for this event.
	The Rev. Ben Williams is Senior Pastor of St. Mark UMC in Raleigh, North Carolina. A graduate of Duke Divinity School, Ben completed the two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation. He is married to Anna and together they have two children.