Building an Accessible, Inclusive, and Safe Church with Julia Ayala Harris

In this episode of the Way of Love podcast, Bishop Curry talks with Julia Ayala Harris, who was elected president of the House of Deputies by her peers in the House of Deputies at the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in 2022. She is the first Latina and woman of color to hold the position.

President Ayala Harris has more than two decades of experience working in the nonprofit sector, particularly with faith-based nonprofits, and she holds a Master of Public Administration. 

Prior to her election as president of the House of Deputies, she served the church in multiple roles, including on Executive Council as chair of the Joint Standing Committee for Mission Within The Episcopal Church. 

Bishop Curry and President Ayala Harris’s discuss her priorities as PHOD, how the faith traditions she grew up in formed her for this role, and also how focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and safety fosters institutional accountability. 

A note of caution for our listeners – this episode contains descriptions of sexual violence that some listeners may find particularly difficult.

After the Episode

Learn more about the Way of Love and creating your own rule of life based around the practices of Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest.

 Learn more about President Ayala Harris at juliaayalaharris.com, and learn more about the House of Deputies at houseofdeputies.org