MAE ELISE CANNON WANTS TO HELP CHRISTIANS SEEK COMPREHENSIVE JUSTICE

Northern alumna Dr. Mae Elise Cannon has used her experience at Northern to “enter deeply into theological questions while also putting spiritual formation and disciplines into practice.” Her studies also connected with her work, including elements explored in her new book.

“In writing Beyond Hashtag Activism, I felt like the words represented the cry of my soul,” Cannon says. “The church has never been more divided politically, and I wanted to write about real issues facing the church in the 21st century—from theological debates around sexuality, to struggles related to racial justice, to questions concerning Middle East peace. In that regard, I think the subtitle, ‘Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age,’ is very appropriate.”

“In 2018, almost two years prior to the death of George Floyd, I was disturbed in my spirit about the realities of racial injustice, police brutality, and discrimination against people of color,” says Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon. She was motivated to begin working on her latest book, Beyond Hashtag Activism, which was released in May 2020. It was more timely than she could have anticipated.

“In writing Beyond Hashtag Activism, I felt like the words represented the cry of my soul,” Cannon says. “The church has never been more divided politically, and I wanted to write about real issues facing the church in the 21st century—from theological debates around sexuality, to struggles related to racial justice, to questions concerning Middle East peace. In that regard, I think the subtitle, ‘Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age,’ is very appropriate.”

An ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Cannon is currently the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Her previous books include Social Justice Handbook, Just Spirituality, and Evangelic

al Theologies of Liberation and Justice, which she coedited. She is also a graduate of the DMin program at Northern Seminary.

“When I began my studies at Northern,” she says, “I already had three masters degrees and a doctorate (PhD) in U.S. history. I was looking for a program that would integrate my academic skills and experience and the core tenets of the Gospel—the centrality of Christ and missional engagement with the world—while allowing room for me to ask questions about spiritual formation, what transformation looks like.” She found a program that combined these priorities along with the opportunity to learn from experts in theology, practical ministry, and global Christianity.

Cannon’s experience at Northern allowed her to “enter deeply into theological questions while also putting spiritual formation and disciplines into practice.” Her studies also connected with her work, including elements explored in her new book.

“I loved that my professors at Northern engaged holistically, never compromising academic integrity, but always concerned about real life issues and challenges. My work and vocational emphasis is on justice and Middle East peace. It is easy to have enemies when one is advocating for peace and justice. Many people criticize me for pursuing justice and peace for all people in the Middle East. My studies at Northern allowed me to delve deeply into the question of ‘what is the transformational process of learning to love one’s enemy?’”

Since publishing Beyond Hashtag Activism, Cannon has had the opportunity to further flesh out issues and topics addressed in the book in her podcast #Activism. She has interviewed leading Christian voices such as Otis Moss III, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church, and Shane Claiborne. “The podcast allowed deeper consideration of anti-Asian racism in response to COVID-19, how those incarcerated have been affected by the coronavirus, gun violence, and many of the specific issues addressed in the book,” she says.

For Christian leaders who care deeply about social justice, Cannon believes Beyond Hashtag Activism is a great place to start. “It offers an overview of key issues of justice and provides theological context and practical questions for consideration. The book tackles issues of global and domestic poverty, gender justice movements, racial injustice and gun violence, and some of the most challenging issues that will face the church in the 21st century, including sexuality, religious freedom, and the Middle East.” She hopes the book will be a valuable resource for Northern students and alumni and everyone who wants to engage current issues thoughtfully.

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