CONFRONTING WHITENESS
Over the course of nine weeks, participants will explore confronting whiteness together through the lens of black authors, artists, poets and filmmakers. Their experiences and perspectives can help us see ourselves in new ways. Participants will read, watch and listen to examine and share what they learn about confronting whiteness and themselves.
Please reach out to our facilitators if you have any questions.
- Cathy Rimer-Surles – Facilitator
- Jack Peyton-Travers – Facilitator
CONTACT
The Rev. Kelly Ryan
Canon Missioner for Discipleship
The Rev. Kelly Ryan
Missioner for Discipleship
984-263-5423
EMAIL
Kelly serves diocesan congregations as the missioner for discipleship. The position was created as part of, and is made possible by, the $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. the diocese received in October 2024 to reconceive the way it supports congregations as they seek to form disciples of all ages. Instead of traditional programming, the project is designed to spark congregational imagination around intergenerational worship and its connection to holistic Christian formation, to support connections among congregations, and to equip and empower congregational leaders to design and lead inclusive, sensory-rich worship rooted in The Episcopal Church’s liturgical traditions.
Kelly previously served at Duke Divinity School as director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program and as senior director of Communications and executive editor for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity, as well as a communications coach for Lilly Endowment grantees. For more than two decades, she has served children and their families as a catechist, tutor, mentor and hospital volunteer.
Kelly was ordained a vocational deacon in 2024. For two years, she served as deacon and children’s minister at St. Joseph’s, Durham. In early 2026, she began serving as chaplain to Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson. She holds a Master of Divinity, a certificate in Christian Education, and an MA in Christian Practice from Duke Divinity School, as well as a BA in journalism and political science from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
