The Fellowship of Reconciliation, the oldest interfaith peace and justice organization in North America, has selected Rev. Kristin Gill Stoneking as it's 24th Executive Director. Stoneking is a Ph.D. student in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on interreligious studies and nonviolence education. She is also ordained in the United Methodist Church.
“I am honored to accept this invitation,” says Stoneking, who began her position in early August. “My grassroots experience provides evidence that FOR’s expertise in spiritually-based organizing for human and civil rights is critically needed today. We are at a watershed moment: people are looking for the leadership that FOR can provide through interconnecting and advocating for racial, economic, environmental, and social justice. I am eager to work with FOR members and allies to strengthen the path of transformative revolutionary nonviolence.”
A vocal advocate for the Occupy/Decolonize movement, she also achieved national attention in November 2011 for her role in a dramatic incident with violent overtones. Police officers infamously pepper-sprayed some of the 300 activists who had joined the Occupy Davis protest, dramatically increasing an already tense situation. Stoneking successfully mediated between the parties and, when video footage of the situation “went viral” on the Internet, used the opportunity to widely promote the message of the disciplined, principled use of nonviolent action.
Stoneking comes to FOR following a 14-year stint as executive director of the Cal Aggie Christian Association in Davis. During her tenure, the historic organization clarified and focused its mission, and grew multifold in staff and budget. The conception and enactment of a Multifaith Living Community as a concrete response to rising interreligious tension, particularly Islamophobia, locally and in broader U.S. society, was her framework for mobilizing “CA House” toward renewed peace and justice leadership. The program formally launched in 2008 and is now recognized as a national model for interreligious cooperation, justice, and peacebuilding. The $2.1 million project featured the development of residential housing in which 42 students from six faith backgrounds now live.
Adapted from http://forusa.org/about/staff/stoneking