Lonnie Ellis
Director of Organizing and Development

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Prior to joining FAN in August of 2011, Lonnie began work toward an MA in Theology with a spirituality concentration from Washington Theological Union, as well as working for the ecumenical justice group Sojourners. He has five years of community organizing experience, including working for St. Thomas More parish in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the faith-based organizing group ISAIAH. He served in leadership on five successful issue campaigns during that time, including securing a public option for health insurance for children in the state and a living wage ordinance for St. Paul.

Lonnie's passion is in integrating spirituality with powerful action for justice. He is in formation to join the Secular Franciscan Order, St. Anthony of Nagasaki fraternity. In Minnesota, he creating the Inward and Outward Renewal project within ISAIAH, engaging 400 faith-based justice leaders in contemplative teachings and practices. He is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer through Contemplative Outreach, has studied under Fr. Richard Rohr at the Center for Action and Contemplation, and spent a year in a Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas. He maintains a website for spiritual practices and justice work called LiberationSpirituality.Net.