Meet the Deputation: Liza Anderson

Name: Liza Anderson

Faith Community: St. Paul's, Duluth

Where I Serve: I am a professor of theology and Christian spirituality, currently based at the Collegeville Institute at St. John’s University

Number of General Conventions attended: 5 (3 as a deputy)

Official role(s) at General Convention: 
Lay deputy
Legislative Committee on ecumenical and interreligious relations
Executive Council member

1) Why did you choose to serve as a deputy to General Convention and what do you hope to accomplish or experience there? 
One of the things I most value about the Episcopal Church is our model of shared governance that allows laypeople and clergy to share in debate, committee work, and policy setting. I have extensive experience serving in Episcopal church bureaucracy (and teaching courses in Episcopal polity and governance), and hope to help others learn to navigate our structures to make substantive changes.

2) What gifts and passions do you bring to this ministry? How has serving in this
way transformed you?
As a former young adult leader (still often considered “young” at 40, but really not that young anymore!) I am passionate about inviting younger leaders into the church’s governance structures and helping all of us to hear their voices. I am especially passionate about theological education, formation for ministry, ecumenical partnerships, and worship.