A Metropolitan Community Church affiliated with the Center for Progressive Christianity
Collectively, the Executive Staff leads the congregation. Each member of the Executive Staff is a professionally trained and well-accomplished individual who is committed to the health and vitality of the Sunshine Cathedral. Here is your staff:
Senior Pastor: Rev. Durrell Watkins joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff in 2006 as the Canon Precentor. On November 3, 2007, he became the Cathedral’s new Canon Pastor (aka “Senior Pastor”). Durrell is also the editor for Spirit & Truth Magazine. Before coming to Sunshine Cathedral he had been the AIDS Chaplain at the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, the Assistant Pastor of Agape MCC in Fort Worth, the Director for Pastoral Care & Education Services for Tarrant County AIDS Interfaith Network in Fort Worth, and the Pastor of MCC-Christ the Liberator in New Jersey. Durrell is also a playwright whose works have been performed in five states and Canada. He is the author of A Treatment a Day: A Book of and About Prayer (Café Press, 2005). Durrell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Henderson State University, a Master of Arts degree in Theatre from Goddard College, a Master of Divinity degree (Theology & the Arts concentration) from Union Theological Seminary, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate (Congregational Studies) at the Episcopal Divinity School.
Executive Director: Mr. Ed Johnson, a former Baptist, was graduated in 1980 from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. He then went on to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Management Information Systems from Central Texas College. After teaching public school music for one year, Ed entered the corporate world where he worked for 25 years. In 2005 he joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff as the Executive Director.
Outreach Minister: A former Roman Catholic, Deacon Marian Cavagnaro has served the Sunshine Cathedral as a member of the Board of Directors, a deacon, and is now our Outreach Minister. Her mission work includes international trips to Tanzania and Ethiopia as well as more local work with South Florida Assisted Living residences. Marian is the Director of Laboratory Services at Memorial Hospital West (Pembroke Pines, FL) and has been an adjunct faculty member of both Barry University and St. Thomas University. Deacon Cavagnaro holds a BS in Medical Technology from Barry University, a MS in Management Health Care from Florida International University, a Master of Religious Studies degree from Light University, and is a Diplomate in Laboratory Management.
Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action: As Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action, the Reverend Robert Griffin serves as the Academic Dean of Light University (the Cathedral’s adult Religious Education program). Robert has also been a special assistant to the Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches and a program specialist for the MCC Office of Clergy Development. After spending a decade in the U.S. Navy as a Religious Program Specialist (Chaplain’s Assistant), Robert founded a Metropolitan Community Church in Hagerstown, MD, and served as its pastor for eight years. During much of that time he was also a Conference Coordinator for MCC’s Mid-Atlantic District. Robert was a licentiate minister in the Baptist tradition before being ordained in Metropolitan Community Churches. Robert joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff in 2006 and he holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, where he is a member of the Alumni Executive Committee. Rev. Griffin is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate at Florida Center for Theological Studies.
Volunteer Coordinator / Miami Outreach Chaplain: Rev. Michael Anthony Diaz holds a BA in Biblical Studies from Oral Robert s University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School. He is currently in a DMin program at the Episcopal Divinity School.
Facilities Manager: Before being our facilities manager, Kurt Litzenberger was a college admissions counselor, the manager of a farm supply store, the manager of a wholesale nursery, and the facilities manager for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Kurt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Robert s Wesleyan College and has also enjoyed a performance career as a soloist for St. Paul’s Church in Rochester, NY, a soloist and section leader for the Chancel and Concert choirs at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, the cantor for the midweek service at Sunshine Cathedral, and a member of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus.
Dean: Rev. Grant Lynn Ford was the pastor of Sunshine Cathedral for over two decades. On November 3, 2007, he became the Cathedral’s first-ever Dean. As Dean, Grant is available to churches who would like him to be a guest speaker or consultant. He is currently working with a church group in northern Florida. Grant was first ordained in the Assemblies of God and later consecrated as a bishop in the Old Catholic tradition. He is a graduate of Bible Standard College in Eugene, OR (now known as Eugene Bible College). He holds an honorary doctorate degree from Light University.
Virtual Church Chaplain: Rev. B.K. Hipsher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California Coast University, a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies from the Episcopal Divinity School, and an Advanced Certificate in Theology, also from EDS. She is currently enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Winchester. In addition to her work with Sunshine Cathedral, Rev. Hipsher is also a consultant for MCC-Toronto.
Consultant for Spiritual Practices in 2009: Rev. Dr. Mona West is the Director of Clergy Development for Metropolitan Community Churches. Previously, she served as the Pastor of Church of Trinity (MCC) in Sarasota, FL; Minister of Spiritual Formation at Midway Hills Christian Church in Dallas, TX; Co-Pastor of the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas; and the Academic Dean of the Samaritan Institute for Religious Studies. She has also taught in an adjunct or visiting capacity at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Austin College, Anderson College, Brookhaven College, the Episcopal Divinity School, Florida Center for Theological Studies, Lancaster Theological Seminary, and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Dr. West is the co-editor of Take Back the Word: a queer reading of the Bible (Pilgrim Press, 2000) and The Queer Bible Commentary (SCM Press, 2006). She is also the author of many articles and brochures. Rev. West holds a B.A. from Louisiana College, and a Master of Divinity and a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mona will visit Sunshine Cathedral four times in 2009.
Executive Director of Sunshine Social Services, Inc.: Mr. Mark Adler leads the Social Service agency affiliated with Sunshine Cathedral. As the Executive Director, Mark oversees a fully staffed agency that provides Adult Day care during the week, support groups, and professional counseling.
President / CEO of The Sunshine Community Foundation: Mr. Jeff Tuckey leads organization that is affectionately known as “The Foundation” and more formally known as The Sunshine Community Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to raise capital for building projects and endowments for Sunshine Cathedral. They are the “bricks and mortar” arm of Sunshine Cathedral. Formerly a fundraiser for College Fraternal organizations, Jeff now leads The Foundation in helping it to fulfill its mission.
MinX Center: Rev. Elder Don Eastman is the co-founder of the Ministry Excellence (MinX) Center and serves as a consultant for Sunshine Cathedral. Don is also the former pastor of MCC-Dallas — which, under his leadership — became the largest MCC. MCC-Dallas later changed its name to Cathedral of Hope and remained the largest MCC until it later changed its affiliation to the United Church of Christ. While pastoring in Dallas, Don was elected to MCC’s Board of Elders, and in 2007 he retired as the Vice-Moderator of the denomination. Don is a graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, and he is the author of the brochure, Homosexuality: Not a Sin, Not a Sickness.
Theologian: Sunshine Cathedral is blessed to have noted author John McNeill as a member and resident theologian. “Father John” spent 6 months as a Prisoner of War in Germany during World War II and after the war joined the Society of Jesus (the “Jesuits”) in 1948. In 1974 he co-founded the New York chapter of Dignity, an affirming organization for LBGT Catholics. As a moral theologian and lecturer John has taught at such prestigious institutions as Fordham University and Union Theological Seminary. He is also a retired therapist. Father John holds a PhD from Louvain University in Belgium and he is the author of the following five books: The Church & the Homosexual; Taking a Chance on God; Freedom, Glorious Freedom; Both Feet Firmly Planted in Midair; and Sex As God Intended.
In addition to salaried staff, the Sunshine Cathedral is blessed to have an abundance of volunteer ministers who serve faithfully in their various areas. From the webmaster to the choir members to the ushers to the church photographer to the deacons to the A/V team to the members of boards and committees and so many others, there are just too many wonderful people who generously donate their time and skill to mention everyone by name. We are grateful for the dedication of all who freely give time, talent, and treasure to Sunshine Cathedral.