Episode 147: Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen
Our second guest pastor to challenge the tenets of the Christian Nationalist movement (see Rev. Janet Edwards, episode 142) Marian provides the keys to bridge-building that gives us hope for compassionate communication.
Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen is a pastor, peacebuilder, and bridge-builder whose life has been shaped by a profound spiritual journey—one that began in traditional ministry and led through a personal awakening to her own LGBTQ+ identity. Today, she serves as Executive Director of Parity, a New York City–based nonprofit that works internationally to heal divides between faith and identity, and Research and Teaching Associate to the Neurospirituality Lab at Harvard Medical School, where she explores human-centered, ethical uses of AI and technology, religious liberty, and values-based collaboration.
Marian’s path has been anything but straight. Early in her Evangelical ministry, she encountered openly LGBTQ+ chaplains for the first time—an experience that challenged her assumptions, deepened her faith, and ultimately revealed her own identity. This turning point set her on a course of bridge-building, from founding an LGBTQ+-affirming church in Salt Lake City to leading national programs for youth and families. Along the way, she discovered the power of what she calls “grace space”—holding open, respectful conversations about faith and identity, even in the most polarized environments.
Her work has been recognized with honors including Person of the Year by Q Salt Lake for visionary leadership and the Petra Fellowship for her ministry with homeless youth. Whether she’s speaking, writing, or walking alongside those in crisis, Marian invites others to embrace their own “fearfully and wonderfully made” selves, to see God in those who are different, and to live as human bridges of compassion, courage, and hope. Outside her work, she’s a passionate skier, outdoor adventurer, devoted spouse, and parent, always curious about what the next chapter of her spiritual journey will reveal.