Ordained in 2005 by the United Church of Canada, Rev. Lorraine (Lori) Diaz has been in congregational ministry positions since beginning her ministry training at Emmanuel College on September 11, 2001. During those years, she has served UCC congregations in Southern Ontario and Nova Scotia, and spent three years in Des Moines, Iowa serving a Spanish-speaking Lutheran congregation.

Rev. Lori has spent the past few years of ministry focusing on growth strategies, leadership mentoring, and discipleship methods. She also completed postgraduate studies at Emmanuel College under the supervision of Rev. Dr. Paul Wilson, and working as a Graduate Research assistant for Rev. Dr. Bill Kervin. Her Th.M. thesis focused on theologies of beauty, imagination, and liturgical art.

Life experience prior to ordination included mostly corporate administrative work, but she also enjoyed a stint as a Canada 3000 Flight Attendant which allowed her to travel to a number of unique and beautiful places throughout Europe. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Sociology at Glendon College in Toronto, where her studies also included French, Philosophy and Psychology.

Rev. Lori was raised in Elora, ON. She now lives in Toronto with her wonderful husband, Chris Diaz. In her free time she loves going to the ballet, running several times a week, practicing yoga, and reading.