Candid Conversations about Diversity: Honoring Diverse Identities in Spiritual Spaces

While most of us would rather not talk about race, gender, sexuality, and size in spiritual spaces, it is absolutely necessary. Why? Because every single one of us is living this life in a body. Our skin color, size, sexuality, and gender impact how we move through the world, including spiritual spaces. Some might say that pointing out differences creates more division. It’s actually the unwillingness to address these differences that causes division. Join us as we reach across identities to explore the challenges and opportunities of diversity with curiosity and respect. 

These monthly conversations with Rev. Abigail Schairer, Stephanie Anne Johnson, and a special guest each month is hosted by the Center for Spiritual Living Seattle and held monthly on Wednesdays March through July, dates below.  

Wednesday, Apr 19, 10-11am Pacific
Broadcast Live on Center for Spiritual Living Seattle's Facebook Page

Co-hosted by Revs. Abigail Schairer & Stephanie Anne Johnson with guests:

Mar 22: Stephanie Anne Johnson & Rev. Abigail Schairer

Apr 19: Rev. Dr. Kelle J Brown, Senior Pastor, Plymouth Church United Church of Christ, Seattle, WA. She is a vocal presence for justice in Seattle and beyond.  Kelle is a Theomusicologist of the Poor People’s Campaign, and invites those she meets to follow Howard Thurman’s sage wisdom: “Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

May 31: Imam Jamal Rahman is a popular speaker and author on Islam, Sufi spirituality, and interfaith relations. Along with his Interfaith Amigos, he has been featured in The New York Times, CBS News, BBC, and various NPR programs. Jamal is co-founder and Muslim Sufi Imam at Interfaith Community Sanctuary, and adjunct faculty at Seattle University. He is president of Northwest Interfaith a non-profit, non-denominational organization. Jamal travels nationally and internationally, presenting at retreats and workshops. Jamal’s passion lies in interfaith community building and activism. View brief teachings and spiritual practices video collection on Call of Compassion NW YouTube channel. 

Jun 28: Cassandra Rae, the youngest daughter of an Inupiaq man and white woman, has always been interested in how people get along. She used to think that following the rules was the quickest way to success and acceptance until she realized the rules weren’t written for her benefit. So she rebelled against them…until it became clear that was another way of being ruled by them. Through all of her life experiences, extensive education, and many, many jobs, Cass has come to know that in order to truly get along and succeed, we must open our hearts, courageously speak our truth with compassion, and bear witness to ourselves and each other. She believes authentic emotional connection with yourself and others is the way of personal and collective healing in our relationships, in all of our systems and structures, and in our experience of the Divine. You can find her at BravelyConnecting.com.

Jul 26: Chava Mirel is a unique being in the world of music and spirit, defying classifications of style or genre. A multi-award winning musician and composer whose voice was recently featured on a Grammy award winning album, Chava is highly sought-after for collaborations and recordings. Celebrated for her rich, luxurious vocals, lush harmonies, and rhythmic phrasing, Chava is also known for her loving and compassionate presence. Regardless of setting - spiritual gathering, concert hall, classroom or jazz club - she imbues her music and teachings with the universal themes of hope, caring, connection and inclusion.

About Stephanie Anne Johnson

A singer’s talent is complete when they can bring a crowded dive bar to a collective hush and also get one of the biggest audiences on the planet to a collective standing ovation. Stephanie Anne Johnson is that special singer who can don a cowboy hat and sing over a slide as old timers weep. And they have wowed judges on the immensely popular NBC TV series, The Voice, showcasing their gifts.  

Perhaps it’s no surprise that Johnson is so affecting. Their mantra, after all, is “Find your joy and go there.” Their prowess exudes whether they are singing the Black national anthem - “Lift Every Voice And Sing” - to a packed auditorium or whether they're cooing acoustic lullabies to Saturday night tavern regulars. Their music, which is rooted in all that’s American, expresses the pain of the past, the roots of the down home and the hope that hard work will lead to proper reward. 

The latest LP, Take This Love, is a blend of Loretta Lynn and Valerie June. It’s a stunning catalogue of surprise and satisfaction. Stephanie Anne Johnson has opened for acts that include political figure Bernie Sanders, and artists such as Mavis Staples, Chaka Khan, Ani DiFranco, Joseph, Cedric Burnside, and Black Joe Lewis. 

Stephanie will be releasing a new album ‘Jewels’ on April 7^th, 2023.

About Rev. Abigail Schairer

Rev. Abigail Schairer is Associate Minister at CSL Seattle and founder of Sister Spirit and NextGEN Retreats. She draws inspiration from the great spiritual masters of all religions, which she integrates with practical guidance in her speaking and teaching.  Rev. Abigail believes we are here to help create the life God intended us to have – one of absolute joy, complete abundance, and freedom.